Lancaster Amtrak Platform Reopens After Major Upgrade

LANCASTER, Pa. — Travelers using one of Pennsylvania’s busiest rail stations will now see smoother boarding and faster train access. Amtrak has officially completed the reconstruction of the North Platform at Lancaster Station, reopening it just ahead of the heavy holiday travel surge.

The platform returned to use earlier this month following 10 months of extensive construction, which focused on accessibility, passenger comfort, and modernization of facilities at a station that has seen a sharp rise in ridership.

What’s New at the North Platform?

According to Amtrak, the project involved a complete teardown as well as structural and passenger-focused improvements. Construction work included:

• Demolition and rebuilding of platform foundations
• Installation of new platform panels and improved passenger surface areas
• Repairs to the canopy and baggage building above the boarding zone
• New stairwell restorations for both interior and exterior access
• Installation of a new overhead catenary system, critical for rail power and reliability

These upgrades follow the South Platform reconstruction, which reopened in November 2024. Together, both platforms now meet modern accessibility standards and are designed to handle growing ridership volumes.

Updates Beyond the Platforms

Improvements are not limited to boarding areas. Major station-wide renovations are also underway, including:

• A new roof on the pedestrian overpass
• Terrazzo floor repairs, window replacements and insulation
• Rehabilitated windows and entrance doors at the main building
• HVAC system and concrete wall repairs, plus selective brick restoration

These updates are part of ongoing modernization efforts coordinated with PennDOT’s pedestrian bridge extension, which will link to a new north-side parking lot. That project is scheduled for completion in fall 2026, providing expanded access for commuters and long-distance travelers.

A Milestone for Accessibility and Ridership Growth

“With the completion of the North Platform, Lancaster Station now features two fully accessible high-level platforms—marking a significant milestone in our commitment to a safer, more convenient, and inclusive travel experience for all passengers,” Jennifer Mitchell, Amtrak EVP strategy and planning, said in a news release.

The work was designed by GFT Infrastructure Inc. (formerly Gannett Fleming Inc.), with Wohlsen Construction Co. serving as general contractor.

Lancaster’s Growing Role in Train Travel

Lancaster Station continues to be a major transportation hub. In 2024, it served 464,190 customers, a 22% ridership increase from the previous year. Nationally, the station ranks as the 25th busiest in the United States, and it is the second busiest in Pennsylvania, only behind Philadelphia’s 30th Street Station.

Built in 1929 and located at 53 McGovern Ave., the station’s modernization reflects rising demand for rail travel in the Mid-Atlantic corridor and growing interest in regional commuting alternatives.

With fully accessible platforms now operational, improved building features, and another infrastructure upgrade on the horizon, Lancaster’s historic station is entering a new era of service — just in time for peak holiday travel.

Originally reported by Daniel Urie | durie@pennlive.com. in Penn Live.