Amtrak Project: Train Platform Upgrade

10/18/2021 - The Amtrak Train Platform Upgrade project is considered “Substantially Complete”. All that is left is to add some final touches to the glass canopy and some other odds and ends. Items still on the horizon are the Passenger Information Display System (PIDS) to be installed by the Virginia Passenger Rail Authority (formerly Virginia Department of Rail & Public Transportation) and the upgraded pedestrian crossing to be installed by CSX. We still have no schedule for these but are continuing to work with these organizations to add to the improvements here at The Center of the Universe.

8/9/2021 - Things are shaping up nicely at our Visitor Center as the Amtrak Train Platform Upgrade is nearing its conclusion; the platforms are now compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). 

The final remaining touches include ongoing handrail additions, replacing some light fixtures, and installation of the canopy on the east platform.  The canopy is complete and packed up at the manufacturer, delivery and installation will occur as soon as a CSX flagger can be scheduled to ensure the safety of the installation crew.

Hopefully, you have stopped by to admire all the beautiful plants in the garden beds, the wheelchair lift enclosure that is a perfect complement to our Visitor Center, and the addition of a Little Free Library added at the north end of the platform.

Other amenities that are on the horizon are the Passenger Information Display System (PIDS) to be installed by the Virginia Department of Rail & Public Transportation (DRPT) and the upgraded pedestrian crossing to be installed by CSX.  We have no schedule for these yet but are continuing to work with these organizations to add to the improvements here at The Center of the Universe.

12/20/2019 - Read the latest update from Amtrak about this Accessibility Improvement Project

The project to upgrade the platforms at the Ashland Train Station is funded and managed by Amtrak and not the Town of Ashland. Due to the project’s impact to our downtown we will share progress information through this site as Town staff receives updates from Amtrak.

The purpose of this project is to make the train station’s platforms compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The platforms along the passenger loading areas will be raised; however, a lift will still be required for wheelchair users to board the train. The lift will be mobile and will be stored in a new shelter on the west side of the platform that will be architecturally similar to the historic station. Additional lighting will also be added to the east side of the platform. Above is a rendering of the final improvements as seen from the south end of the platform facing north.

Construction is scheduled to begin in mid-October 2019 and completed by the fall of 2020. Construction will be performed in two phases: first the southern portion, then the northern portion. The Visitor Center inside the train station will continue to operate, and Amtrak’s trains will continue to serve Ashland during construction.

Parking in certain areas will be limited during the different phases of construction, so we encourage visitors to refer to our Parking Information webpage for the latest updates regarding parking:

Parking Information