Oxford officials press ahead on Amtrak stop despite rising cost estimates

Oxford city staff told council members on Monday that the long-running effort to secure an Amtrak stop in the city remains active but now faces higher costs tied to updated Amtrak platform standards and site constraints. City staff asked council for direction to continue work on engineering design while they pursue additional funding partners.

The city has pursued an Amtrak stop on the Cardinal line for years, staff said, moving through site selection, grant applications and engineering design. “My goals for this evening are to explain our project history to date, review our estimated cost overruns, and get your input on the direction,” the city project lead said during the discussion.

Council was reminded that an earlier concept called for a roughly 300-foot platform; Amtrak’s current standards require a substantially longer platform. Staff said design changes to meet Amtrak specs have increased estimated design and construction costs. The city’s updated accounting shows additional design engineering of roughly $1.26 million above earlier estimates and a construction increase of about $600,000, producing an estimated cost gap of approximately $1.3 million before any right-of-way acquisition costs behind the nearby SDS (public works) site are factored in.

Why it matters: Amtrak service on the Cardinal line would reconnect Oxford to intercity passenger rail between Chicago and New York and could provide an alternative transport option for students and residents. The project also underpinned a broader multimodal vision including bus, bike and pedestrian connections.

What staff presented: City staff traced the project history to earlier feasibility work, partnership discussions with Miami University and Tallawanda school officials, a prior BUILD/TIGER (rebranded BUILD) grant application and later design contracting with AECOM. Staff described site options considered, the need to coordinate with freight rail owners (CSX and others), and a term sheet negotiated with Amtrak that sets construction deadlines. “Amtrak told me no. They said, if you want an Amtrak stop, you pay for all of it. Like, we’re gonna come to you, but this is your baby,” the project lead said, summarizing one negotiation point.

Technical and cost drivers: Staff said two factors drove the increase: (1) Amtrak’s current platform-length requirement (from around 300 feet in earlier plans to about 675 feet in the current specification) and (2) constrained topography at the preferred site that requires retaining walls, extended grading and additional geotechnical work. Those changes increase both construction and construction engineering costs.

Funding and partners: Miami University remains a supporting partner, staff said, and has provided $350,000 toward match requirements for a federal grant the city previously secured for construction. Staff said they will ask Miami for additional commitments as the city refines cost estimates. The city also has to secure an agreement with CSX for use of trackside property; staff said CSX has proposed a lease formula that would amount to several thousand dollars annually, a position staff pushed back on during negotiations.

Council reaction: Several council members urged the city to continue the work. “If we don’t it’s the brass ring. We have to grab it. Otherwise, we will never… this is our shot,” Councilor Mike said. Others asked staff to firm up partner commitments and to bring a written resolution documenting changes in cost and next steps. The project lead said staff will seek a near-term resolution or formal affirmation of the city’s intent and will meet with Miami University to request additional cost-sharing commitments.

Next steps: Staff asked council for permission to continue design work (engineering and geotechnical) so the city can complete the stage-two plans required by the state and federal funding rules; staff also will request formal cost-share commitments from partners and finalize right‑of‑way and acquisition plans for the SDS area once final plans are available.

Councilors emphasized the project’s long history and regional importance and asked staff to return with a concise funding plan before committing additional construction-level expenses.

Ending: Staff said they will proceed with near-term design work pending council direction and partner commitments and will bring a written resolution to the council at an upcoming meeting to memorialize the updated cost picture and next steps.