Amtrak completes Indiana station construction project

Amtrak and community officials yesterday marked the completion of a $1.9 million project to improve accessibility at the train station in Connersville, Indiana.

The station is located on Amtrak's Cardinal route. The Cardinal train travels three days a week between New York City and Chicago with a stop in Connersville.

Station improvements included the construction of a concrete platform that meets Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) specifications. Other upgrades included the installation of lighting, a ramp, a new connection to the public right of way and parking lot improvements.

"Making our stations accessible to all customers is a priority and we’re actively performing construction, renovation, repair and upgrade projects at stations across our national network," said Amtrak Vice President David Handera in a press release.

Amtrak has invested $770 million since 2011 in accessibility upgrades and improvement projects at 118 stations across the national network to ensure a safe, efficient, and comfortable travel experience for customers with disabilities, railroad officials said.

The improvements include repairs and upgrades to platforms, ramps and sidewalks, renovations to entranceways and restrooms, with 20 stations brought into ADA compliance last year. Another 20 stations are targeted for completion this fiscal year at a forecasted cost of $125 million.