Accessibility updates at Newbern-Dyersburg
Federal investment improves Newbern-Dyersburg platform
NEWBERN, Tenn. – Amtrak customers can enjoy a more accessible and comfortable experience at the Newbern-Dyersburg Station with the completion of $3.5 million in upgrades. The Amtrak City of New Orleans stops twice daily while traveling between Chicago, via Carbondale, Ill., and New Orleans, via Memphis and Jackson, Miss.
“With construction, renovation, repair, and upgrade projects at stations across the country, station accessibility is a priority we’re actively pursuing with funding from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act,” said Dr. David Handera, Amtrak Vice President, Accessibility, Stations and Facilities.
“We want all of our stations to provide a welcoming and comfortable environment for every customer,” he said at a ribbon-cutting at the station in West Tennessee with state tourism commissioner Mark Ezell and Newbern Mayor Pam Mabry.
To provide smoother pathways for passengers with disabilities, Amtrak installed a new 350-foot platform with historically inclusive features integrating key elements of the 104-year-old station, which includes the Newbern Depot & Railroad Museum, an Amtrak waiting room and a grand room for public functions with the surrounding community.
Other improvements include new accessible parking, public right-of-way access with sloped accessible walkways and safety barriers, energy efficient LED light fixtures providing full-coverage lighting along the pathways and at the platform, a new wheelchair lift with secure enclosure and new signage. Much of the work was done by local sub-contractors.
This investment is part of an Amtrak commitment to creating safer, accessible facilities across the National Network through its Accessible Stations Program. Since 2011 Amtrak has made more than $870 million in upgrades at 123 stations across the country, providing a better travel experience for customers with disabilities. Another 30 stations are targeted for completion this fiscal year as Amtrak works toward 100% completion by 2029.
NEWBERN, Tenn. – Amtrak customers can enjoy a more accessible and comfortable experience at the Newbern-Dyersburg Station with the completion of $3.5 million in upgrades. The Amtrak City of New Orleans stops twice daily while traveling between Chicago, via Carbondale, Ill., and New Orleans, via Memphis and Jackson, Miss.
“With construction, renovation, repair, and upgrade projects at stations across the country, station accessibility is a priority we’re actively pursuing with funding from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act,” said Dr. David Handera, Amtrak Vice President, Accessibility, Stations and Facilities.
“We want all of our stations to provide a welcoming and comfortable environment for every customer,” he said at a ribbon-cutting at the station in West Tennessee with state tourism commissioner Mark Ezell and Newbern Mayor Pam Mabry.
To provide smoother pathways for passengers with disabilities, Amtrak installed a new 350-foot platform with historically inclusive features integrating key elements of the 104-year-old station, which includes the Newbern Depot & Railroad Museum, an Amtrak waiting room and a grand room for public functions with the surrounding community.
Other improvements include new accessible parking, public right-of-way access with sloped accessible walkways and safety barriers, energy efficient LED light fixtures providing full-coverage lighting along the pathways and at the platform, a new wheelchair lift with secure enclosure and new signage. Much of the work was done by local sub-contractors.
This investment is part of an Amtrak commitment to creating safer, accessible facilities across the National Network through its Accessible Stations Program. Since 2011 Amtrak has made more than $870 million in upgrades at 123 stations across the country, providing a better travel experience for customers with disabilities. Another 30 stations are targeted for completion this fiscal year as Amtrak works toward 100% completion by 2029.
FRA releases long-distance service study
TARP is pleased to note that the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) released details on an extensive study to restore former long-distance Amtrak routes and develop new routes. Tennessee and other states with growing population would benefit from the fruits of this study (if the fruit produced is the real implementation of passenger rail service!).
Indeed this is a move in the right direction. This study sees the value in passenger rail routes that connect different corridors, several states, and a multitude of city pairs. Connections to other rail routes and to bus and transit service could transform these routes into true mobility mechanisms.
We encourage you to read and reflect on the study. Give us your thoughts and feedback as well. And keep the conversation going with your elected representatives.
Here is the link to the study: fralongdistancerailstudy.org/
Indeed this is a move in the right direction. This study sees the value in passenger rail routes that connect different corridors, several states, and a multitude of city pairs. Connections to other rail routes and to bus and transit service could transform these routes into true mobility mechanisms.
We encourage you to read and reflect on the study. Give us your thoughts and feedback as well. And keep the conversation going with your elected representatives.
Here is the link to the study: fralongdistancerailstudy.org/
Tennessee's famous Incline Railway suspended due to fire damage
With much regret, we received news that Tennessee's famous and very popular Incline Railway, connecting Lookout Mountain with Chattanooga's St. Elmo community, was damaged by a 10-acres brush fire that swept along Lookout Mountain in early December 2024.
The damages are estimate to include more than 5,100 feet of damaged cable, over 200 damaged cross ties, and over 1,000 feet of damaged rail. The total cost to repair the railroad landmark will exceed half a million dollars; however, the Incline Railway is sufficiently insured.
We do not expect service to be restored until early Summer, and there is no estimate on the economic damage the suspension will cause to businesses in the St. Elmo community. TARP could like to encourage passenger rail advocates to support the St. Elmo businesses community as much as possible while repairs are under way.
The Incline Railway was been a vital part of Tennessee's cultural heritage and tourism industry since it was built in 1895. We will post updated information on the service restoration as soon as details are available.
The damages are estimate to include more than 5,100 feet of damaged cable, over 200 damaged cross ties, and over 1,000 feet of damaged rail. The total cost to repair the railroad landmark will exceed half a million dollars; however, the Incline Railway is sufficiently insured.
We do not expect service to be restored until early Summer, and there is no estimate on the economic damage the suspension will cause to businesses in the St. Elmo community. TARP could like to encourage passenger rail advocates to support the St. Elmo businesses community as much as possible while repairs are under way.
The Incline Railway was been a vital part of Tennessee's cultural heritage and tourism industry since it was built in 1895. We will post updated information on the service restoration as soon as details are available.
