Wilmington station in Delaware Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Railroad station has now seen a major project to fully renovate and repair it, completed by Amtrak. The work has seen the station modernised and now includes two new escalators alongside interior stairs whilst offering passengers improved accessibility features.

Amtrak has seen over 600,000 customers travelling via Wilmington Station for the fiscal year 2023, which puts it as the rail operator’s 20th busiest station. The station was built back in 1908 and in Spring 2011 was rededicated as Joseph R. Biden Jr. Railroad Station following a large-scale restoration programme.

Since 2011, Amtrak has invested approximately $800 million to support upgrades and improvement work over 119 of its stations across the national network in a bid to improve passenger experience. A key focus on accessibility has also been made with projects carried out to support passengers with mobility difficulties, including:

• Upgrades to platforms, ramps and sidewalks
• Renovations to entranceways and restrooms

The vast project has seen 20 stations meet the Americans with Disabilities Act this year whilst a further 35 stations are set to see work completed to ADA standards in 2024 as part of an estimated investment of $195 million by Amtrak.

The rail operator is also improving design at 143 stations across its network and will see 39 construction projects get underway as part of its focus on creating a fully accessible Amtrak network by 2029.

In a future phase of the programme, plans for Wilmington Station will see further repair and improvement work carried out at both the station and for adjacent rail beds. This work will see the station meet standards in alignment with the Northeast Corridor, such as boarding platform improvements which are near completion in Washington, D.C. and Baltimore.

To find out more about the history of Wilmington Station, please click here.

Laura Mason, Amtrak Executive Vice President of Capital Delivery, said:

“The Wilmington Station is an important transportation hub on the Northeast Corridor and this $11.6 million project is a critical investment in the station,”

“Amtrak is grateful for the Delaware Federal Delegation’s continued support in funding Department of Transportation grant programs, support of the IIJA and continued partnership.”

Mitch Landrieu, Senior Advisor to the President and Infrastructure Implementation Coordinator, said:

“President Biden’s Investing in America agenda is delivering billions of dollars to upgrade and modernize our nation’s passenger rail, including $22 billion for Amtrak, and a key part of that investment is ensuring that all passengers can use Amtrak stations and service.”

“With help from the President’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, Amtrak has upgraded 20 stations across the country to full ADA accessibility, and over the next five years we will work together to upgrade dozens more. This is just one of the many ways that the Biden-Harris Administration is making our nation’s transportation systems more accessible to every single American.”

Amit Bose, Federal Railroad Administration Administrator, said:

“Americans need and deserve world-class passenger rail, and that includes Americans with disabilities, our aging population, and others who rely on and benefit from modern, accessible, and convenient rail stations.”

“We’re excited to see renovations completed at the Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Railroad Station and other stations nationwide, and we know there is more to come. President Biden’s Investing in America agenda includes historic funding for rail and unprecedented opportunities to upgrade stations, services, and vital infrastructure that will benefit local communities and lay the foundation for world-class passenger rail service.”

U.S. Senator Tom Carper, Chairman of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, said:

“Each year, more than half a million Amtrak passengers rely on the Joseph R. Biden, Jr. Railroad Station to get to work or school, visit family and friends, and even travel someplace new. I am one of them, taking a train to and from our nation’s Capitol each day.”

“In the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, we were able to secure $22 billion for Amtrak to make much-needed repairs, address maintenance backlogs, and modernize train stations like the one in Wilmington. This investment is our biggest step forward yet for the future of passenger rail, which is key to reducing roadway congestion, improving air quality, and keeping us competitive in a global economy.”

U.S. Senator Chris Coons, said:

“Amtrak is a critical link for Delaware, and I’m glad to see it expanding access to clean, safe train travel for more Delawareans.”

“As a frequent Amtrak rider, I see the use Joseph R. Biden Jr. Railroad Station gets in downtown Wilmington, and I know that Wilmington and its surrounding communities will truly appreciate improved, renovated access that also brings the station into ADA compliance. Investment in this infrastructure keeps Wilmington connected to the world.”

U.S. Representative, Lisa Blunt Rochester said:

“Over the past year, 600,000 people have passed through the Joseph R. Biden Train Station in Wilmington for work or for fun, carrying with them the grand experience of riding an Amtrak train.”

“It’s been a priority of President Biden and his administration to invest in our nation’s infrastructure – from our roads and bridges to ports and rail. And thanks to this historic Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, this mission is being realized across the country, including here in Delaware. It’s critical that the Wilmington Station’s infrastructure remains up to date as more and more people opt to travel by train, and I’m thrilled to celebrate with Amtrak, the Biden Administration, and my congressional colleagues, Senators Carper and Coons, as we unveil a more accessible and inclusive Wilmington Train Station.”

“The Biden Station has been a part of our community since 1908, serving 600,000 customers last year,” said Governor Carney. “The investments from the Federal government ensure that this station serves our city and regional infrastructure for years to come.”