Amtrak report on Coatesville Train State show “ripple effect” on economy

An Amtrak report on the Coatesville, Pa., train station has found that a reconstruction of the station will spur economic investment nearly double the project’s cost.

Reconstruction of the 155-year-old train station is expected to cost $65 million. But the report found that the project would spur investment of more than $135 million in 40 projects in the area. The “Amtrak Station Reconstruction Economic & Community Benefits Assessment” report said the effects of the project would ripple over a 10-year span, in addition to accommodating Coatesville’s growing ridership demand and meeting the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

“These local market indicators highlight the benefits not only to the City of Coatesville, but to other regional areas along the Keystone service line, including Harrisburg and Philadelphia,” James Logan, Coatesville’s city manager, said. “Coatesville is leveraging PennDOT’s 2021-2024 passenger rail campaign and station improvements to attract new investment opportunities to our community and western Chester County area, and as a result we have seen an increase in local and regional small businesses and developer interest in Coatesville.

The report said the station would increase Keystone Corridor ridership, as well as adding 543 new jobs, retaining 648 existing jobs and generating 130 short-term construction jobs.

The project broke ground in October 2021, and is expected to be completed in 2025. The reconstruction is focused on passenger safety, amenities and mobility, officials said, and the new station will include high-level accessible platforms with canopies and seating, stair/elevator towers, a public address system, additional parking and a new pedestrian-only underpass below train tracks from vehicular to non-motorized access.