Amtrak holds groundbreaking ceremony for Philadelphia station project

Amtrak recently held a ceremony to celebrate the start of construction on major renovations at William H. Gray III 30th Street Station in Philadelphia.

The event was attended by Amtrak officials, community leaders, and federal, state and local representatives, and the project is expected to cost $550 million.

Station restoration and renovation includes enhancing building infrastructure to achieve and maintain a state of good repair, improving station operations and enhancing the customer experience, modernizing and expanding station food & beverage and retail offerings, modernizing Amtrak corporate offices, and upgrading The Porch landscaping and community amenities.

“This large-scale restoration and renovation project will enhance the station’s functionality and improve the customer experience for Amtrak, SEPTA and NJ TRANSIT customers, while preserving this iconic Philadelphia landmark for future generations,” Tracie Winbigler, Amtrak executive vice president, business transformation and chief financial officer, said. “Additionally, this station transformation will improve Market Street Plaza, expand retail offerings and provide other benefits to the local community.”

Amtrak developed a plan for the improvement and development of the station with the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, Brandywine Realty Trust, Drexel University, and the surrounding district.

Plenary Infrastructure Philadelphia will design, build, finance, operate and maintain the station improvements for 50 years under a public-private partnership agreement.