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11/10/2025
Amtrak and project partners on Nov. 6 broke ground on a new train maintenance facility and other upgrades at its Boston Southampton Rail Yard. The facility will be completed in phases throughout 2029.
The modern facility will support the introduction of new Airo trainsets in the coming years on the Northeast Regional route between Boston and Washington, D.C., and the Amtrak Downeaster between Boston and Brunswick, Maine. It will also be used for Amtrak's Acela and long distance trains that operate out of the Southampton yard, Amtrak officials said in a press release.
This $583 million project is part of Amtrak's larger fleet modernization plan, which includes more than 20 rail yard and facility upgrades across routes that are set to receive the new Airo trainsets, Amtrak officials said. The new facility at Southampton Yard is the fourth in the program to break ground, following projects in Philadelphia, Seattle and Washington, D.C.
The new 60,000-square-foot facility will feature a two-bay maintenance and inspection site with inspection pits, drop tables, sanding systems and fueling pads at each end, as well as a renovated two-track service and inspection.
Other upgrades planned include a new direct fixation track within the existing maintenance, inspection, service and cleaning areas; new catenary structures; new storage tracks for both Amtrak equipment and Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority commuter trains; new retaining walls; utility relocations and a new yardmaster's operations area.
Meanwhile, Amtrak on Nov. 7 held ribbon-cutting ceremonies at two stations in Columbus and Tomah, Wisconsin, following the completion of $11 million in accessibility upgrades. Amtrak's Empire Builder train between Chicago and Seattle and Portland, Oregon, and the Borealis route, between Chicago and Minnesota's Twin Cities, stop at the stations twice daily.
The Columbus Station was built in 1906. At a cost of $6.3 million, Amtrak added two 350-foot concrete platforms, accessible paths between the station building and the parking area, sloped walkways, railings, LED light fixtures, warning systems and signage. HDR designed the project, and Enfield Enterprises Inc. provided general contractor services, Amtrak officials said.
The Tomah Station was built in 1903. Amtrak added $5 million in accessibility upgrades, including a 330-foot heated concrete boarding platform, accessible paths between the building and parking, sloped walkways, railings, LED lights, warning systems and signage. Amtrak also upgraded the waiting room air conditioning and public utility connections. Michael Baker International designed the project, and George Allen Construction provided general contracting services.