Amtrak has broken ground on a major modernisation project at the Southampton Rail Yard, marking the start of construction on a new maintenance facility to support its next-generation Airo trains, set to enter service on the Northeast Regional and Amtrak Downeaster routes in the coming years.
The event was attended by officials from Amtrak, the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT), the Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority (NNEPRA), and the Rail Passengers Association.
“We are now one step closer to introducing new, state-of-the-art Airo trainsets on the Northeast Regional and Amtrak Downeaster routes,” said Michelle Tortolani, Amtrak Vice President of Project Delivery, Fleet & Facilities. “This new facility will help speed up train maintenance and reduce turnaround times, providing customers with more reliable service as ridership continues to break records.”
The new 60,000-square-foot facility will feature a two-bay Maintenance & Inspection (M&I) building with inspection pits, drop tables, sanding systems and fueling pads, as well as a renovated Service & Inspection (S&I) building. Additional yard improvements include new catenary structures, storage tracks for Amtrak and MBTA trains, retaining walls, and upgraded utility and operations areas. Construction will continue in phases through 2029, with no major impacts expected for passengers.
“The improvements that Amtrak is making to the Southampton Yard facility are an exciting step to enhance intercity passenger rail service along the Northeast Corridor,” said Meredith Slesinger, MassDOT Rail & Transit Administrator. “This investment ensures Massachusetts continues to play a central role in maintaining and advancing world-class rail operations.”
Patricia Quinn, Executive Director of NNEPRA, said the project also supports the Downeaster’s long-term success: “Southampton Yard is a critical regional facility where trains that provide Downeaster service between Brunswick and Boston have been maintained for nearly a quarter century. We’re here to celebrate not only rail yard modernisations, but the introduction of a new generation of trainsets which will revolutionise passenger rail travel.”
The project is part of Amtrak’s broader fleet modernisation plan, which includes more than 20 facility upgrades across the network, coordinated with the Federal Railroad Administration and funded in part by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Similar works are already underway in Philadelphia, Seattle, and Washington, DC.
“America’s passengers waited for decades for days like today,” said Jim Mathews, President and CEO of the Rail Passengers Association. “This project and the new Airo trains are examples of what’s possible when we commit to building and maintaining a healthy industrial base to support our mobility and prosperity.”
The new facility will service Airo, Acela, and Long Distance trains operating out of Boston’s South Station, enhancing reliability for routes across the East Coast. The Airo trainsets will feature improved energy efficiency, accessibility, and comfort, supporting Amtrak’s push toward a modern, sustainable era of passenger rail.
“American rail should be the fastest and most reliable in the world,” said Democratic Whip Katherine Clark (MA-05). “This project will help deliver the frequent, on-time travel Bay Staters deserve.”
U.S. Representative Stephen Lynch (MA-08) added: “These new trains will be better for our environment, improve service reliability, and operate with greater fuel efficiency. I’m grateful to Amtrak President Roger Harris for his commitment to improving our transportation system and making the travel experience more comfortable and enjoyable for everyone.”
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