Amtrak’s Summer Travel Advisory: Potential Disruptions During Infrastructure Improvements

Amtrak announced that infrastructure improvements this summer along the busy Northeast Corridor (NEC) may cause temporary service disruptions.

The rail company revealed that business and leisure travelers on trains along the NEC Corridor through September 30 may experience minor delays throughout the New England and Mid-Atlantic Regions this summer as work along the tracks continues.

Amtrak officials said the company has committed approximately $130 million for rail improvements, with $124 million invested this summer. The funding was made possible by grants and other federal programs, state and local contributions and Amtrak revenue.

Some of the projects in the works for the summer of 2023 include replacing 40 track switches throughout New York and the Mid-Atlantic, updating 25 miles of track in the Mid-Atlantic and completing over one million feet of surfacing work across the entire NEC for high-speed rail.

“Updating railroad infrastructure is a fundamental component of our plan to deliver a new era of rail by modernizing the Amtrak fleet, building new bridges and tunnels, revitalizing stations and redefining the customer experience for the modern era,” Amtrak Executive Vice President Laura Mason said.

“We’re grateful to our partners for their cooperation and flexibility as we advance these critical projects to achieve a state of good repair and enhance the overall Amtrak customer experience,” Mason continued.

Newly adjusted train schedules account for this work and avoid conflicts with commuter agencies, but customers may experience minor delays, even as crews work overnight to further minimize impacts to customers.

In addition, customers should be aware that high temperatures in the upcoming warmer summer months can also impact Amtrak operations. Extreme heat can cause rail, bridge and overhead wires to expand.