Thursday, July 18, 2024 Amtrak has completed upgrades worth nearly $10 million at the Holdrege and Hastings stations, enhancing accessibility and comfort for travelers. The Amtrak California Zephyr, which makes two daily stops at these Central Nebraska stations, connects Chicago to the San Francisco Bay area, passing through Omaha, Denver, Salt Lake City, and Reno. “With construction, renovation, repair, and upgrade projects at stations across the country, station accessibility is a priority we’re actively pursuing with funding from the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act,” said Dr.
David Handera, Amtrak Vice President, Accessibility, Stations and Facilities. Amtrak has enhanced accessibility for passengers with disabilities, those with strollers, and travelers with wheeled luggage by constructing platforms and crossings for easy boarding from both BNSF Railway Co. tracks in Holdrege, and by installing a new 860-foot boarding platform in Hastings.
In Holdrege, a new heated shelter now stands on the platform as part of a $5 million upgrade. In Hastings, the passenger waiting area within the 122-year-old, privately-owned Spanish Colonial Revival Style depot was renovated as part of a $4.7 million investment.
Local subcontractors carried out much of the work in both towns, adding features like accessible parking, public right-of-way access with sloped walkways and safety barriers, energy-efficient LED lighting for better pathway and platform visibility, a new wheelchair lift with a secure enclosure, and updated signage. These improvements are part of Amtrak’s ongoing Accessible Stations Program, aimed at creating safer, more accessible facilities nationwide. Since 2011, Amtrak has invested over $880 million in accessibility enhancements at 124 stations.
Last year, 20 stations were brought into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, and an additional 30 are planned for completion this fiscal year with a projected investment of $165 million, as Amtrak aims for full compliance across all stations by 2029. Reactions “These updates will make the Holdrege station more accessible to everyone. I would like to thank Amtrak for the efforts.
The City of Holdrege looks forward to continue to work with Amtrak,” said Mayor James Liffrig. “Whether you are visiting Hastings or embarking on a new journey on the California Zephyr, the updates at the Hastings station are a welcome addition. I would like to thank Amtrak and the local subcontractors who put these accessibility improvements in place and I look forward to this enhanced experience for our citizens and visitors,” said Mayor Corey Stutte.
“I appreciate Amtrak’s investments in both Holdrege and Hastings. These upgrades will improve rail access and allow both stations to better serve the public,” said Sen. Deb Fischer, R-Neb.
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