Maine grade-crossing work precedes Amtrak expansion
Written by William C. Vantuono, Editor-in-ChiefMaine’s largest city, Portland, hopes to upgrade numerous grade crossings this summer, in conjunction with the anticipated expansion of Amtrak Downeaster passenger rail service.
The crossings, all affecting Forest Avenue, are located at Walston Street, Riverside Street, Allen Avenue, Read Street, Congress Street, and Woodford Street. The Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority began work on the crossings late last year.
The improvements are part of a $40 million project to extend Amtrak’s state-supported Downeaster service roughly 30 miles from Portland to Freeport and Brunswick, Me. Portland currently is the terminus for the service, which connects Maine with Boston’s North Station.
