Amtrak Downeaster

UPDATE: Work begins on Amtrak Downeaster passenger rail extension to Freeport, Brunswick

BRUNSWICK — The northward extension of the Amtrak Downeaster has been local rail advocates' dream since 2003. On Monday at Maine Street Station, the first tangible sign that the long-awaited vision is closer to realization was hard to miss. The train delivering 50 strings...

Steve Mistler • News •
Friday, July 30, 2010 at 11:50 am
Work to begin on Downeaster extension to Brunswick

BRUNSWICK — After years of hoping and waiting, proponents of the extension of Amtrak Downeaster service to Brunswick will soon have something to cheer. State officials and the U.S. Department of Transportation announced this week that work on more than 26 miles of railroad tracks be...

Steve Mistler • News •
Wednesday, July 7, 2010 at 1:30 pm
All aboard in Brunswick: Maine Street Station visitors center opens for summer season

BRUNSWICK — A new visitors center opened at Maine Street Station this week, marking the beginning of what project proponents hope will become a transit hub and marketing tool for local businesses and attractions. The center is owned by the town and subleased to the Brunswick Downtown...

Steve Mistler • News •
Wednesday, May 26, 2010 at 2:00 pm
Brunswick base airport heightens funding competition; redevelopment agency hopes to tap STAR account

BRUNSWICK — The agency redeveloping Brunswick Naval Air Station is seeking a $1.3 million slice of a state fund already eyed for other transit projects, including expanded operations for the Amtrak Downeaster and airports currently undergoing modernization projects. The Midcoast Regi...

Steve Mistler • News •
Tuesday, May 25, 2010 at 12:40 pm
Project weighs pros, cons of bus or rail service from Portland

PORTLAND — Removing 1,000 vehicles from Maine's Interstate highways will require commuter rail or rapid bus service. The question for state transportation planners is which one, and how? Since 2008, the Maine Department of Transportation has been reviewing alternative transportation ...

Steve Mistler • News •
Tuesday, April 20, 2010 at 8:10 am
With Portland-Brunswick rail extension set, focus switches to funding Downeaster operations

PORTLAND — After last week's receipt of a $35 million federal grant brightened the prospects for extending Amtrak Downeaster service from Portland to Brunswick within three years, state and federal officials are now trying ensure that the passenger service has the money to keep running....

Steve Mistler • News •
Tuesday, February 2, 2010 at 8:10 am
Amtrak Downeaster extension from Portland to Brunswick gets $35M jump-start

PORTLAND — An upgrade of 30 miles of railroad tracks between Portland and Brunswick will receive a $35 million boost from the federal government. Proponents say the overhaul will pave the way for the extension of Amtrak Downeaster passenger service to Freeport and Brunswick – p...

Steve Mistler • News •
Thursday, January 28, 2010 at 8:20 am
Brunswick development 'hangs in the balance' with Amtrak Downeaster

BRUNSWICK — After years of planning and debate, the $23.5 million Maine Street Station project is showing Brunswick residents tangible results. The site, which constitutes the town's last available acreage for infill development, has been a hive of activity all summer. Two of its ...

Steve Mistler • News •
Wednesday, July 15, 2009 at 1:30 pm
Brunswick, Freeport asked to help build case for Downeaster extension

BRUNSWICK — Freeport and Brunswick, two towns expected to benefit most from the proposed extension of the Amtrak Downeaster, are being asked to help the passenger rail service strengthen its case for federal stimulus money. The Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority, which ...

Steve Mistler • News •
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Downeaster faces uphill battle as Maine rail projects vie for funding

PORTLAND — Patricia Quinn knows exactly how to bring the Amtrak Downeaster to Brunswick – and how to make sure the state continues paying its share of the passenger rail service's cost. The trouble is, Quinn, the executive director of the Northern New England Passenger Rail Auth... 1

News •
Tuesday, May 12, 2009 at 8:00 am