Amtrak boosts infrastructure with private partnerships across the US

Amtrak's Ambitious Infrastructure Overhaul: A Collaborative Endeavor

In a bid to redefine the landscape of American rail travel, Amtrak has joined forces with a multitude of industry giants. From construction to engineering, these partners are central to hundreds of pivotal projects shaping the future of rail infrastructure in the United States. Representing over 100,000 workers from every state, these partnerships highlight a massive collaborative effort.

The transformation of Amtrak into a modern rail operator is underway, marked by significant investments. Last year alone, Amtrak infused $4.5 billion into major infrastructure and fleet enhancements, with plans to increase this capital by 50% by 2025. "America deserves world-class infrastructure, and here at Amtrak we are doing our part," said Amtrak CEO Stephen Gardner, emphasizing the company's commitment to transforming the passenger rail experience.

Executives from leading firms have expressed strong support for Amtrak's vision. Greg Hill of Kiewit Corporation highlighted the job creation and safety improvements stemming from these projects. Siemens Mobility's Marc Buncher shared insights on their longstanding partnership, noting, "From the first diesel-electric locomotives to the Amtrak Airo, we’re building the future of American-made rail technology." This sentiment is echoed by others, including Clark Construction and Skanska, both of which have lauded Amtrak's investment in America's infrastructure and economic growth.

The focus of these efforts is on renewing and upgrading century-old infrastructure assets, vital to modernizing Amtrak's services. These projects not only replace outdated structures but also create a significant boom in American rail construction, catalyzing job creation and manufacturing growth.

• Historic Infrastructure: Many of the structures being replaced date back to the early 1900s, from presidencies as far back as McKinley and Taft.
• Modernizing the Fleet: Amtrak is overhauling its train fleet, with the existing equipment averaging 40 years in age, some dating back to Amtrak’s inception in 1971.
• Employment Surge: This wave of construction is employing hundreds of thousands of Americans, marking an unparalleled moment in Amtrak’s history.

Amtrak's commitment to domestic procurement remains steadfast, with nearly all purchases being U.S.-based in the coming fiscal year. The progress is evident in their multifaceted projects: introducing 111 trainsets and 125 high-powered locomotives, replacing the historic B&P Tunnel, and enhancing accessibility and aesthetics at over 380 stations.

Beyond these mega projects, Amtrak's state-of-good repair initiatives continue to ensure the maintenance of vital rail systems. Federal support under the current administration further bolsters these efforts, promising increased ridership and economic benefits nationwide.

In attendance at the industry roundtable were key players such as AECOM, Alstom, Clark Construction Group, and Siemens, to name a few, all contributing to the realization of Amtrak's ambitious infrastructure program.