Updates on phase two of the Amtrak project, expected to be completed in fiscal year 2025
MT. PLEASANT – Updates are on the way to the Mt. Pleasant Amtrak station as workers begin the second phase of construction.
With a rich history dating back to its opening in 1912, the Mt. Pleasant station has been a stop for many travelers crossing the Midwest. Despite many changes in transportation, the station remains active today, with Amtrak reporting over 8,400 riders and $890,037 in ticket revenue in fiscal year 2023.
Amtrak tracks run through Mt. Pleasant. (Photo by Dave Schneider)
Over time, the needs of these passengers have changed and the American government has pushed for equal opportunities to use the railroad.
In response to the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Amtrak stated that it had developed an ADA Station Program to make the stations served by Amtrak ADA compliant “in the shortest time possible and in the most integrated and efficient manner possible” and to provide better service to passengers with disabilities.
The public is advised not to enter the Mt. Pleasant Railroad Depot construction site. (Photo by Dave Schneider)
Although Amtrak wants to achieve this goal as efficiently as possible, it has already taken some time.
The project began in November 2020 with the intention of renovating the building’s interior, parking areas, and train platforms. These platforms span three blocks and touch the North Main Street, North Adams Street, and North Lincoln Street crossings. Although Amtrak’s original plans did not include work on the crosswalk, they decided to collaborate when the City of Mt. Pleasant approached them about working together to improve sidewalk accessibility.
Amtrak began phase two of this project at Mt. Pleasant Station last fiscal year. The project includes two new platforms, lighted and signed walkways, and improvements to station entrances. Completion is scheduled for fiscal year 2025.
A worker washes the platform at Mt. Pleasant Station. (Photo by Dave Schneider)
Amtrak currently operates four trains per day in Iowa on two long-distance routes. The California Zephyr runs daily on a route that runs from the San Francisco Bay Area to Reno, Salt Lake City, Denver, Omaha and Chicago. The Southwest Chief route runs from Los Angeles to Flagstaff, Albuquerque, Topeka and Chicago.
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