KTKA

Amtrak has announced it will devote $1,042,200 to improvements at the six stations in Kansas serving the Southwest Chief route.

On Wednesday, March 25, Amtrak released a list of capital projects to be funded by $1.3 billion from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). Submitted to the Federal Railroad Administration, the list includes railcar and locomotive restoration to augment the current fleet, projects to bring stations into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), facility improvements, track, bridge and signal replacements and upgrades.

The projects in Kansas include signage, platform kiosks, wheelchair lifts and platform improvements. The Kansas stations are among more than 200 stations in 40 states that will receive $40 million in needed upgrades to improve accessibility for disabled persons.

"We are very grateful that Amtrak has made this investment in Kansas," said Secretary of Transportation Deb Miller. "It's more evidence of the strong interest in revitalizing and expanding the nation's passenger rail system." According to Amtrak, more than 41,800 riders boarded and de-boarded at Kansas stations in FY 08.

A summary of the Kansas projects is attached. For a detailed list of projects in all states, go to Amtrak.com and click on "Inside Amtrak," then "Other Reports." Further information on how contractors and suppliers can contact the railroad about bidding on those projects that contain outsourcing elements will be available on Amtrak.com soon.

Amtrak Station Improvements in Kansas

STATIC SIGNAGE PROGRAM

The Static Signage Program is designed to improve staffed and unstaffed station signage by standardizing size and display methods of informational and directional signs and replacing worn and faded signage

*Platform kiosks at four stations and general signage and re-branding at Lawrence $ 54,000

MOBILITY FIRST PROGRAM

The Mobility First Program is an immediate-action program to eliminate or reduce the physical barriers that prevent access to intercity passenger trains for passengers that require wheelchairs.

*Lawrence: Includes agreements, host railroad negotiations, conceptual and final design, and financial and program management: $9,000

*Garden City: New wheelchair lift and enclosure; new pad for lift; improvements to metal fence: $27,000

*Hutchinson: New wheelchair lift: $14,000

*Topeka: New wheelchair lift: $14,000

*Dodge City: New wheelchair lifts and enclosures; new pads for lifts and sidewalk to center platform; improvements to crossing to platform: $79,200

*Newton: New wheelchair lifts and enclosures; new pads for lifts and sidewalk to station platform; improvements to crossing to platform; paint markings for accessible parking stalls on existing paving: $70,000

STATION UPGRADES PROGRAM

Upgrade platforms to conform with Amtrak standards and ADA regulations.

*Hutchinson: new ADA compliant tactile edge on existing concrete platforms: $75,000

*Lawrence: new ADA compliant, 550', 8" ATR concrete platform: $600,000

*Topeka: new ADA compliant tactile edge on existing concrete platforms: $100,000

Total funding for Kansas: $1,042,200