U.S. Senators Olympia J. Snowe and Susan Collins today announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has approved the Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority’s (NNEPRA) competitive grant request for $20.8 million for track improvements on the Downeaster line. Senator Snowe, a member of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, and Senator Collins, Ranking Member of the Senate Transportation Appropriations subcommittee, wrote to Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood in support of the grant application.
“This is a major investment in the Downeaster that will fund infrastructure improvements and help improve the rail line’s service, speed, and reliability,” said Senators Snowe and Collins. “In addition, it will help improve mobility in Maine and around New England, increase rail ridership, and create needed jobs.”
NNEPRA will use this funding for the final design and construction of a second track on a section of single track between Wilmington and Andover, Massachusetts. New track construction will allow intercity passenger trains to meet and pass other trains on the corridor, thereby increasing on-time performance and service reliability.
“Downeaster ridership continues to soar and this project will help us meet that growing demand by improving one of the most congested areas along our route,” said Patricia Quinn, Executive Director of the Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority. “This project will strengthen the relationship between NNEPRA and the MBTA, improve the quality of service for our passengers, and set the stage for faster and more frequent passenger train service in Northern New England. We are very grateful for this opportunity.”
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