Amtrak Completes Improvements at Two Colorado Stations

Customers benefit from $15 million in federal investments

FT. MORGAN and GRANBY, Colo. - Amtrak passengers have a more welcoming experience at two Colorado stations following about $15 million in improvements. Amtrak California Zephyr trains stop twice daily at Ft. Morgan, Denver, Fraser/Winter Park, Granby, Glenwood Springs and Grand Junction.

"Making stations accessible to all customers is a priority we're actively pursuing with construction, renovation, repair and upgrade projects at stations across our National Network," said Amtrak Vice President of Accessibility Dr. David Handera. "We want all of our stations to provide a welcoming environment for every passenger."

Improvements enhance the passenger experience by providing a level surface for wheeled mobility devices, strollers and rolling luggage users.

Seventeen 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 in the next year at a forecasted investment of $310 million. These improvements focus on supporting Amtrak's goals to enhance the customer experience and bring greater integrated and comprehensive accessibility to stations across the country.

Ft. Morgan (FMG) $7 million

• The Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad built the one-story brick and stucco Fort Morgan depot in the 1920s. In its day, it was said to have been constructed for beauty as well as service, and most of the interior is original. 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.
• The designer of record for the project is Linn Architects, focused on partnering with organizations and individuals in the corporate, commercial, municipal, and educational fields. Krische Construction (KCI) provided general contractor services for the project. In addition to KCI, other Colorado contractors were Nestor Excavating (Ft. Morgan), Earth Engineering Consultants (Windsor), Majestic Surveying (Windsor), Rodo's Contracting (Platteville), and Wiggins Electric (Wiggins).

Granby (GRA) $8 million

• The Granby station is a one-story wooden building overlooking the tracks. Granby was founded as a railroad town in 1905 along the route of the Denver, Northwestern & Pacific Railway. The station now features an 827 foot-long concrete boarding platform with 508 feet of snow melt areas 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.
• The designer of record for the project is Michael Baker International, an award-winning architectural, planning and interior design firm. Krische Construction (KCI) provided general contractor services for the project. In addition to KCI, other Colorado contractors were Mountaintop Concrete and Acord Asphalt (both of Granby), Landmark Consultants (Steamboat Springs), Cutting Edge Steel (Dacono), Delta Drywall (Denver), Air Comfort (Ft. Collins), Benchmark Electrical Solutions (Windsor), Harms and Sons Excavating (Hot Sulfur Springs) and Rodo's Contracting (Platteville).

Amtrak 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 providing accessibility by working toward 100% completion by 2029.

These Amtrak projects receive specific Congressional funding directed by the Federal Railroad Administration.

"I am glad to see this $15 million federal investment go towards enhancing accessibility at the Ft. Morgan and Granby Amtrak stations. Investing in passenger rail strengthens the connections that Colorado communities rely on. These upgrades will make travel safer, more accessible, and more convenient for everyone who uses these stations," said Sen. Michael Bennet.