By Railfan & Railroad Staff

As summer winds down, Amtrak is still working on more than $260 million worth of infrastructure improvements on the busy Northeast Corridor. This year’s work program represents a 109 percent increase from 2023’s summer track work efforts on the critical passenger route between Washington D.C. and Boston. 

Projects being tackled this year by Amtrak include replacing more than 75,500 railroad ties and 32 track miles of rail; improving track stability on more than 170 miles of track; and renewing more than 35 switches.

Earlier this year, Amtrak also replaced four power transmission circuits at one of Amtrak’s critical substations, Kearny Substation 41, in New Jersey. The transmission circuits provide power to the Corridor for Amtrak and NJ Transit trains just outside of New York City. 

“In addition to our ongoing catenary inspection and repair program, we’re renewing our tracks, signals and other railroad infrastructure across the Northeast Corridor and Harrisburg Line, while also advancing major projects for new tunnels, bridges, trains and other historic investments,” said Amtrak Executive Vice President, Capital Delivery Laura Mason. “Thanks to new, innovative approaches and the support of our partners, we’re transforming the way we work to advance these upgrades in a more effective and efficient manner, enabling us to complete more work in less time.” 

Amtrak officials said the work will help the passenger railroad meet its ambitious goal of doubling its annual ridership to 66 million by 2040.