The Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority will receive $48 million in federal funding to support construction of a new Amtrak Downeaster passenger train station in Portland to replace the current one at Thompson’s Point.
The project has been selected to advance through final design, right-of-way acquisition and construction, with the rail authority providing a 20% non-federal match.
The new station will be located along the CSX Freight Mainline, between Northern Light Mercy Hospital and St. John Street. It is expected to reduce travel time for riders, expand passenger rail service and improve connectivity in the region.
Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority, led by Executive Director Patricia Quinn, said the move will help the company reduce operating costs to support passenger rail service expansion.
The move is expected to increase Amtrak Downeaster ridership and revenue, take cars off the road and support economic development along the Amtrak Downeaster corridor, NNEPRA notes in a project description on its website.
Amtrak’s Downeaster provides daily passenger rail service connecting Brunswick and communities throughout southern Maine with Boston. Other stops along the route include Freeport, Portland, Old Orchard Beach, Saco and Wells.
“The Downeaster is an essential transportation link for the people of Maine, connecting communities, supporting our economy, and providing a reliable alternative to getting in the car or boarding an airplane,” U.S. Sens. Angus King, I-Maine, and Susan Collins, R-Maine, said in a joint announcement.
“Relocating Portland’s station to the main line is a common-sense investment that will mean shorter trips, fewer delays and better connections for passengers traveling throughout Maine and New England,” the lawmakers added.
A spokesperson for the Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority could not be reached for comment.
