Amtrak Completes $15 Million in Accessibility Upgrades at Two Colorado Stations

Amtrak passengers have a more accessible experience at two Colorado stations following about $15 million in improvements.

Amtrak’s California Zephyr stops twice daily at Fort Morgan, Denver, Fraser-Winter Park, Granby, Glenwood Springs and Grand Junction. The improvements provide level surfaces for passengers using wheeled mobility devices, strollers and rolling luggage.

Amtrak brought 17 stations into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act during the 12 months ending Sept. 30. Another 50 stations are targeted for completion during the following year at a projected cost of $310 million.

Amtrak invested $7 million in improvements at Fort Morgan. The Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad built the one-story brick and stucco depot in the 1920s, and much of its original interior remains.

The station now features 480- and 600-foot concrete platforms and accessible routes to and from the station building. The project also added sloped walkways, safety barriers, energy-efficient LED lighting, detectable warning systems and new signs.

Linn Architects served as the project’s designer of record, and Krische Construction provided general contractor services. Other Colorado contractors worked on excavation, engineering, surveying, electrical and other elements of the project.

Amtrak invested $8 million in improvements at Granby, a railroad town founded in 1905 along the Denver, Northwestern and Pacific Railway.

The station now features an 827-foot concrete boarding platform, including 508 feet equipped with snow-melting systems, and accessible routes to and from the station building. The project also added sloped walkways, safety barriers, LED lighting, detectable warning systems and new signs.

Michael Baker International served as the designer of record, and Krische Construction provided general contractor services. Several other Colorado companies participated in the project.

Amtrak has invested more than $1 billion since 2011 in accessibility upgrades and other improvements at 159 stations across its national network. Its ADA Stations Program is advancing designs at 126 stations and construction at 89 stations as the railroad works toward completing accessibility improvements by 2029.