Pennsylvania will get a substantial amount of federal help to pay for rail improvements to allow a second daily Amtrak passenger train between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg.
The state’s congressional delegation announced Wednesday that the Federal Railroad Administration will contribute $143.6 million to help the state pay for an estimated $200 million in track and station improvements. The funds come from the Biden administration’s economic stimulus program.
The state Department of Transportation had announced in September that it had reached an agreement with Norfolk Southern Railroad, a freight service that controls the tracks, to allow a second daily Amtrak trip between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg. To accommodate the additional train, the state agreed to pay for an estimated $200 million in improvements such as side tracks for freight trains to move out of the way for passenger service and upgrades at a series of rail stations.
“For far too long, passenger rail in Pittsburgh has remained woefully inadequate and left our communities and economy disconnected,” U.S. Rep. Summer Lee, D-Swissvale, said in a news release. “This service will go a long way to ensure Pittsburgh is connected to the rest of Pennsylvania and the entire eastern corridor — bringing new life to our cities and creating hundreds of good-paying, union jobs along the way.”
The federal money will help the state pay for the railroad improvements, but it isn’t expected to change the schedule for the work. Norfolk Southern is designing the project now with construction expected to begin in 2024 and service in 2026.
The work will include physical improvements at stations in Pittsburgh, Johnstown, Portage, Altoona and Harrisburg. Additionally, side tracks and new signals will be installed in most of the locations.
“I fought for this funding because when Pennsylvanians can move quickly and easily across the state for work, study or travel our commonwealth thrives,” U.S. Sen. Bob Casey, D-Scranton, said in a news release. “Improving rail service means more jobs, more economic opportunities and more time spent with family for urban and rural communities alike.”
U.S. Sen. John Fetterman, D-Braddock, said he was “honored and excited” about the grant.
“Pennsylvania will see numerous benefits from this expansion, including safer and more reliable transit, reduced travel time and strengthened local economies,” Fetterman said. “I am proud to see us investing in so many rail infrastructure projects throughout the commonwealth. The more trains and public transportation options for Pennsylvanians, the better.”
Right now, Amtrak’s Pennsylvanian leaves Pittsburgh at 7:30 a.m. and arrives in Harrisburg at 12:53 p.m. with the return trip leaving Harrisburg at 2:36 p.m. and arriving in Pittsburgh at 10:01 p.m. The proposed new schedule would have trains leaving Pittsburgh at 7 a.m. and noon and leaving Harrisburg at 9:46 a.m. and 4:40 p.m.
Ed covers transportation at the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, but he's currently on strike. Email him at eblazina@unionprogress.com.