Amtrak to begin ADA improvements on Lewistown Station
Amtrak is beginning major station and platform improvements at the Lewistown Station, which is served daily by the Pennsylvanian.
“As Amtrak continues modernizing stations across the country, improving the customer experience remains at the heart of our efforts,” said Amtrak Vice President of Accessibility Dr. David Handera. “The station and platform enhancements at Lewistown will create a more welcoming and functional environment for those traveling with us for years to come.”
The project is set to begin on April 7 and will include the following upgrades:
- 250-foot concrete boarding platform, built eight inches above top of rail for improved accessibility for passengers with disabilities and families.
- Updated LED platform lighting and signage to enhance visibility and safety.
- New passenger drop-off zone and two ADA compliant parking stalls for improved station access.
- New entrance door and windows for the waiting room.
- Freshly renovated ADA compliant restroom.
- New HVAC system to improve Pennsylvania Railroad Technical and Historical Society comfort in the station waiting area.
Considered the oldest depot served by Amtrak, the Lewistown Station is also home to the Pennsylvania Railroad Technical & Historical Society.
“The society is excited to support this initiative to update the oldest remaining Pennsylvania Railroad train station to modern levels of safety and passenger support for years to come,” said Pennsylvania Railroad Technical & Historical Society President Dave Evans.
This project received $3.5 million in federal investment administered by the Federal Railroad Administration. The Lewistown Station improvements are set to be completed in spring 2027. Additional information regarding customer impacts and station access during the temporary construction period is available on Amtrak’s website.
“I can hardly find the words to express my excitement over this news,” said Lewistown Mayor Deborah Bargo. “The impact on our large Amish community, who rely heavily on rail as their preferred mode of travel, will be tremendous, as will the benefits for our Penn State students. Our station, originally built in the 1800s, still carries the charm and character of a bygone era. Many thanks to everyone who helped make this possible.”
Across the Amtrak network, 19 stations were brought up to ADA standards in fiscal year (FY) 2025. Another 50 stations are targeted for completion in FY 26 at a forecasted investment of $311 million.
The Amtrak ADA Stations Program is advancing 134 station designs and 68 station construction projects as part of what Amtrak calls an ongoing commitment to providing accessibility. Amtrak is working toward 100% completion by 2029 using funds provided by Congress.