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Select Board extends station agreement to 2027 after Pelagic rail project update
Summary
The board approved a three‑year extension of the municipal station agreement with the Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority and the Maine Turnpike Authority to 12/15/2027 and heard a detailed update on a multimillion‑dollar Wells area improvement project, including double‑tracking, signal upgrades and a planned second platform.
The Wells Select Board unanimously approved a second amendment extending the municipal station agreement with the Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority (NEPRA) and the Maine Turnpike Authority through Dec. 15, 2027, to allow completion of a major Wells area rail improvement project.
Patricia Quinn, speaking for the Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority, described the project as roughly a $32 million effort funded in partnership with the Federal Railroad Administration and the Maine Department of Transportation, with matching contributions from freight partners. She summarized two principal components: a recently completed six‑mile double‑track extension intended to provide more passing room for freight and passenger trains, and a second‑platform construction (with pedestrian bridge and elevators) estimated at $9–10 million. Quinn said signal improvements across the Downeaster corridor are underway and that the second platform bid documents were being advertised with construction bids due the week of Dec. 11; she said construction for the platform could begin in spring, with an expected in‑service date by 2026.
Quinn also explained ongoing coordination with CSX Transportation and other partners, including further signal upgrades funded with federal and Amtrak grants, and said the authority aims to add a sixth round trip once station relocations and infrastructure improvements are completed to support new commuting patterns to Portland.
The Select Board voted to extend the existing agreement and authorized the town manager to sign the amendment. Board members thanked Quinn for the presentation and asked follow‑up questions about crossings, inspections and timelines for the Portland station relocation. Quinn said CSX inspects the track and that passenger‑service track is inspected at a higher federal standard once passenger trains operate in an area; she offered to connect town staff with railroad contacts for additional inspection details.
Next steps: With the agreement extended, the authority expects to proceed with bid awards for the second platform and bridge in the coming weeks and to return with schedule updates and construction notices to the town as contracts are finalized.
