Amtrak Celebrates Upgrades at Iowa Stations

Amtrak said its passengers have a more welcoming experience at two Iowa stations following about $20 million in upgrades.

Amtrak California Zephyr trains stop twice daily at Mt. Pleasant, Ottumwa and three other Iowa stations. Amtrak and civic leaders held ribbon-cutting celebrations in both cities and promoted improvements nationwide to enhance the passenger experience by providing a level surface for wheeled mobility devices, strollers and rolling luggage users.

According to Amtrak, the improvements focus on supporting Amtrak’s goals of enhancing the customer experience and providing more integrated, comprehensive accessibility at stations nationwide.

The upgrades include $5.5 million in improvements at the Mt. Pleasant depot, which was built of pressed brick by the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad in 1912.

The station now features 480- and 600-foot-long concrete platforms and accessible paths of travel to and from the station building. Complete are sloped, accessible walkways and safety barriers, energy-efficient LED light fixtures that provide full-coverage lighting at the platform, detectable warning systems, and new signage.

Upgrades also include $14.5 million at the Ottumwa depot, which was built in 1889 by the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad. The railroad had this structure razed and rebuilt in 1950.

The station now features a 1000-foot-long, concrete boarding platform with a restored canopy and accessible paths of travel to and from the station building. Complete are sloped, accessible walkways and safety barriers, energy-efficient LED light fixtures that provide full-coverage lighting at the platform, detectable warning systems, and new signage.

Nineteen stations were brought into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act in the 12 months ending Sept. 30, and another 50 stations are targeted for completion next year, with a forecasted investment of $310 million.

Amtrak said it has invested more than $1 billion since 2011 in accessibility upgrades and improvement projects at 159 stations across the national network to ensure a safe, efficient, and comfortable travel experience for customers. The ADA Stations Program is advancing 126 station designs and 89 station construction projects as part of Amtrak’s ongoing commitment to accessibility, working toward 100% completion by 2029.