From back left to right: Ernest Dobbs Sr., resident engineer, Jacobs; Nathain Weeks, Amtrak, Portland Line agent; Chris Blankenship, general superintendent, Centennial Contractors Enterprise, Inc. Middle row: Lonnie Murray, Amtrak senior director of accessibility; Tammara Tippel, Mt. Adams Chamber of Commerce executive director; Lloyd DeKay, Bingen-White Salmon Community Partners; Michael Phillips, Amtrak director, ADA construction; Ellen Pannell, Amtrak program manager, ADA Construction. Front row: Jamie Shindell, Amtrak program manager, ADA program; Catherine Kiewit, Bingen mayor; Colleen Nauss Clear, Amtrak contractor, ADA construction; Dave Handera, Amtrak VP of accessibility; Chase Kitchen, Amtrak Government Affairs manager, Seattle.Chelsea Marr photo
From back left to right: Ernest Dobbs Sr., resident engineer, Jacobs; Nathain Weeks, Amtrak, Portland Line agent; Chris Blankenship, general superintendent, Centennial Contractors Enterprise, Inc. Middle row: Lonnie Murray, Amtrak senior director of accessibility; Tammara Tippel, Mt. Adams Chamber of Commerce executive director; Lloyd DeKay, Bingen-White Salmon Community Partners; Michael Phillips, Amtrak director, ADA construction; Ellen Pannell, Amtrak program manager, ADA Construction. Front row: Jamie Shindell, Amtrak program manager, ADA program; Catherine Kiewit, Bingen mayor; Colleen Nauss Clear, Amtrak contractor, ADA construction; Dave Handera, Amtrak VP of accessibility; Chase Kitchen, Amtrak Government Affairs manager, Seattle.Chelsea Marr photo
BINGEN — Amtrak customers can enjoy a more accessible and comfortable experience at the Bingen-White Salmon and Wishram stations following the completion of $5.2 million in upgrades. Amtrak’s Empire Builder stops twice daily at both Columbia River locations on its journey between Portland and Chicago.
Working with the city of Bingen, Amtrak advanced a series of accessibility improvements in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The most notable upgrade — replacing a small 10-foot-long platform with a 255-foot-long span of new concrete, eight inches above top of rail, providing a smooth surface for wheeled mobility device users and all passengers.
Funded by Congressional investments at a cost of $3.2 million, the platform, new lighting and ramp connects to the public right of way and provides a brighter and more accessible journey to and from trains.
“I appreciate Amtrak’s dedication to improving mobility and access for all users,” said Bingen Mayor Catherine Kiewit. “These upgrades are well-timed as the City of Bingen is invested in making our community welcoming for visitors and a comfortable place for residents to thrive, regardless of age or disability. I look forward to continuing this momentum to make additional improvements.”
As a gateway to scenic and recreational opportunities offered by the Columbia River, the $2 million federally funded Wishram projects create two accessible parking spaces and a ramp to connect to the existing accessible concrete platform. Other accessibility improvements include replacement of the detectable warning tactile surface along the platform edge that assists passengers with vision disabilities, upgrades to the waiting room entrance and the addition of a platform shelter.
Due in large part to Congressional investments, Amtrak has spent more than $860 million since 2011 in accessibility upgrades and improvement projects at 121 stations across the national network to ensure a safe, efficient, and comfortable travel experience for customers with disabilities.
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