Amtrak Downeaster Station in Wells Getting $11.8M Expansion

The Amtrak Downeaster has been a huge success in New England. The passenger rail service, established in 2001, runs between Brunswick, Maine, and Boston, Massachusetts, with 10 stops along the way. It's an inexpensive way to travel.

One of those stations along the route has just begun construction on an $11.8 million expansion.

Wells Regional Transportation Center

According to Wikipedia, the Wells Regional Transportation Center was built to provide intercity buses and access to the Amtrak Downeaster. Downeaster service started in 2001 with just a rail platform and the building was completed in 2003.

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Fast forward to today and The Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority, which manages the Amtrak Downeaster, has begun construction on an $11.8 million expansion that will transform the look of the 22-year-old transportation center.

Transportation Center Upgrades

The above artist's rendition shows what the complete design will look like. The plan calls for the replacement of the existing high-level boarding platform next to the station and the construction of a second boarding platform on the other side of the track which is reached by an overhead pedestrian bridge. This lets Downeaster trains heading in opposite directions arriving at the station from opposing directions to board and alight passengers simultaneously.

Trains Still Operating

With all this construction, you would think trains would be delayed, but the Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority says the Amtrak Downeaster trains will continue to operate. Construction crews will build a temporary boarding platform so passengers have access to trains.