Rail operator announces major upgrades for Empire Builder route stops
Amtrak announced Tuesday a $30 million investment to improve accessibility at five stations along its Empire Builder route in North Dakota, marking the largest accessibility upgrade in the state’s passenger rail history. The project will bring all five stations into full compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) by late 2026.
The investment targets stations in Fargo, Grand Forks, Devils Lake, Rugby, and Minot. Each location will receive new wheelchair-accessible platforms, updated boarding areas, and modernized station facilities designed to serve passengers with disabilities.
“This investment reflects Amtrak’s commitment to ensuring every passenger can travel with dignity and independence,” said Amtrak Vice President of Infrastructure Emily Richardson in a statement. “These improvements will directly benefit thousands of passengers who rely on accessible transportation across North Dakota.”
What’s changing at North Dakota stations?
The upgrades will include high-level boarding platforms that align with train car floors, eliminating the need for portable lifts. Stations will also receive accessible restrooms, updated signage with braille and tactile elements, and improved lighting throughout passenger areas.
Construction is scheduled to begin in spring 2026, with all five stations expected to complete renovations by December 2026. Amtrak officials said train service will continue during construction, though some temporary boarding adjustments may be necessary.
Key Takeaways
- Amtrak is investing $30 million in accessibility upgrades at five North Dakota stations
- All five Empire Builder route stations will meet full ADA compliance by late 2026
- Improvements include high-level platforms, accessible restrooms, and enhanced passenger facilities
- Construction begins spring 2026 with minimal service disruptions expected
Why this matters for train travelers
The Empire Builder, which runs between Chicago and the Pacific Northwest, serves approximately 500,000 passengers annually. North Dakota’s five stations account for roughly 35,000 of those boardings, with accessibility requests increasing 18 percent over the past three years, according to Amtrak data.
Current stations rely on portable lifts for wheelchair access, which can cause delays and pose safety concerns during winter weather. The new platforms will enable level boarding, reducing boarding time and improving safety for all passengers.
The project is funded through a combination of federal infrastructure grants and Amtrak capital improvement funds. It represents part of the rail operator’s broader $3.5 billion accessibility initiative announced in 2024, targeting 120 stations nationwide over the next decade.
Impact on North Dakota communities
Local officials praised the announcement as a critical step toward inclusive transportation. “These improvements will open up rail travel for residents who previously faced significant barriers,” said Fargo Mayor Tim Mahoney in a statement.
The upgrades align with federal transportation accessibility standards updated in 2024, which require all passenger rail stations to provide equivalent access for travelers with disabilities. North Dakota’s congressional delegation had advocated for the funding since 2023.
What’s next
Amtrak will host public information sessions in each of the five cities starting in January 2026 to gather community input on station designs. Detailed construction schedules and temporary boarding procedures will be announced 60 days before work begins at each location.
Passengers requiring accessible accommodations can continue to request assistance through Amtrak’s accessibility line at 1-800-USA-RAIL or through the Amtrak mobile app. The rail operator recommends booking assistance at least 24 hours in advance.