Empire Corridor Project Map
In September, the U.S. DOT reached an agreement with the New York State DOT, Amtrak, and CSX and released the $149.3 million that was awarded to make improvements to passenger rail service on the Empire Corridor. The funds will be used to upgrade service, reduce delays, and improve reliability on this corridor, which is used by several Amtrak routes, including the Empire Service, Lake Shore Limited, Maple Leaf, Adirondack, and Ethan Allen Express.
These funds represent two ARRA grants that were awarded through the FRA's High-Speed Intercity Passenger Rail Program:
1) Empire Corridor Capacity Improvements - $58.1 million
These funds will be used by NYSDOT for final design and construction of the three interrelated upgrades to the Empire Corridor around the Albany-Rensselaer and Schenectady stations. A fourth track will be constructed at the Albany-Rensselaer station to relieve one of the most significant bottlenecks on the corridor. Tracks and turnouts at this station will also be upgraded and realigned to improve reliability, and signal wires on the Hudson Line will be relocated. Finally, Schenectady Station will be completely replaced as part of a broader, downtown revitalization
program.
2) Empire Corridor South: Albany to Schenectady 2nd Track - $91.2 million
NYSDOT will use these funds to add a second mainline track between Albany-Rensselaer and Schenectady stations, where there is currently only one track. This 17-mile stretch, along with several interlockings, represents a significant bottleneck on the corridor. If a train approaches while another train is using the rail line in the opposing direction, it can be forced to wait for up to 26 minutes for the line to clear. NYSDOT will also upgrade existing warning signs, automatic flashers, gates and predictors at grade crossings along this segment of the corridor.
View Empire Corridor HSIPR Projects in a larger map
Both of these grants and their associated improvements will allow for increased speeds and reduced trip times, and improved reliability along the corridor. Reconstructing Schenectady Station will also improve transit and pedestrian connectivity in downtown Schenectady. Construction on all of these projects is expected to begin next summer.
"These unprecedented investments, using American made materials, will improve passenger travel while creating good-paying jobs," said U.S. DOT Secretary Ray LaHood in a press release Friday. "President Obama's bold vision for passenger rail will change transportation in New York and the United States, helping relieve congestion on our roadways and reducing our dependence on foreign oil."
Images: NYS DOT
Leave a comment