Downeaster Expansion Project
The Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority (NNEPRA) is managing a $38 million construction project which will result in the expansion of Downeaster service to Freeport and Brunswick. The project includes the rehabilitation of approximately 30 miles of track, installation of signals and upgrades to 36 grade crossings. Construction is underway, and is expected to be complete by Fall 2012.
1/27/2012
NNEPRA
The Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority (NNEPRA), providing management, oversight and contract administration for the Downeaster train service, operated under contract with Amtrak, is requesting qualifications statements necessary to determine which Design-Builders will be selected to submit proposals for the proposed Brunswick Layover Facility Project, Brunswick, Maine. Letters of Interest must be received at the NNEPRA offices by 1:00 p.m. EST, Friday, February 3, 2012.
Interested entities should click here to request a complete RFQ Information Packet.
1/16/2012
NNEPRA
The Downeaster Expansion Project is proceeding within budget and on schedule. To date, nearly $32 million of work has been completed or is under contract with more than 53 companies in 20 states. It is expected that two of the Downeaster’s daily round trips will begin service to Brunswick and Freeport in the fall of 2012.
12/2/2011
The NNEPRA Board of Directors formed the Brunswick Layover Building Advisory Group to facilitate community comment on the design of the train layover building planned for the NNEPRA Rail Yard in Brunswick. The advisory group will review information pertinent to the design of the building and provide comment to NNEPRA’s staff and consultants and to the NNEPRA Board. Please click here to view reports
9/30/2011
NNEPRA
Construction on the Downeaster Expansion Project began on August 2, 2010 with the first delivery of CWR. Pan Am crews mobilized and began work on August 16, 2010. During the 2010 Construction season, approximately 27 miles of CWR was installed, the Deep Cut Project was completed, and crossing panels were built for the following season.
9/21/2011
The Federal Railroad Administration has announced that they have obligated High Speed Intercity Passenger Rail (HSIPR) funds to the Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority (NNEPRA) for infrastructure improvements on the portion of the Downeaster corridor located on the MBTA line in Massachusetts. NNEPRA submitted an application for these funds in April 2011 and was competitively selected for award in early May. This announcement means that the $20.8m awarded has been obligated to NNEPRA, that work can now move forward and funds will not be subject to rescission.
9/6/2011
NNEPRA
A number of railroad grade crossings in Cumberland County will be reconstructed as part of the Downeaster Expansion Project. The track work will ensure that grade crossings remain in a state of good repair for the safe crossing of train and vehicular traffic. Click here for a list of railroad grade crossing locations and the tentative schedule for road closures.
9/2/2011
NNERPA
Pan Am crews replaced approximately 400 ties and completed final aligning and tamping between Bow and West Streets in preparation of construction on the passenger platform in Freeport. Contractors D&C Construction have cleared trees and brush and crews will begin pile driving early next week. When complete, the Freeport platform will be 400 feet long and include high and low level boarding areas, be fully ADA compliant and have a canopy, lights, and heating elements to minimize snow and ice build-up.
8/26/2011
NNEPRA
Pan Am crews have installed a total of 33 new crossing signals between Portland and Brunswick. The upgraded signals include larger lights and new gates. These features will improve safety for both trains and motorists.
8/17/2011
Parsons Brinckerhoff
The purpose of the Downeaster Layover Facility Siting Report is to evaluate the suitability of several potential sites, located along the rail corridor in Brunswick Maine, for development as a Downeaster passenger train layover facility.