Amtrak celebrates completion of Harrisburg and Lancaster renewal project

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After more than seven months of construction, Amtrak is celebrating the completion of its Harrisburg-Lancaster renewal project.Staff celebrated with PennDOT officials and state representatives at the Elizabethtown station in Lancaster County. Amtrak replaced more than 40 miles of obsolete 1950s-era rail infrastructure in order to improve ride quality and comfort, as well as increase service reliability.In addition to the track, Amtrak swapped wood ties with concrete ties. The difference in material improves the lifespan of the ties by 35 years.Lauren Mason, who is the executive vice president of capital delivery for Amtrak, said work-related injuries were cut down by 80% over last year."By actually giving our crews more time to work, not having to clear up for trains on the opposite track, they can focus really on doing the work well," she said."By allowing essentially almost 8 hours of uninterrupted work time, they can really focus on doing the work safely and productively."More than 200 employees worked on the project.

After more than seven months of construction, Amtrak is celebrating the completion of its Harrisburg-Lancaster renewal project.

Staff celebrated with PennDOT officials and state representatives at the Elizabethtown station in Lancaster County.

Amtrak replaced more than 40 miles of obsolete 1950s-era rail infrastructure in order to improve ride quality and comfort, as well as increase service reliability.

In addition to the track, Amtrak swapped wood ties with concrete ties. The difference in material improves the lifespan of the ties by 35 years.

Lauren Mason, who is the executive vice president of capital delivery for Amtrak, said work-related injuries were cut down by 80% over last year.

"By actually giving our crews more time to work, not having to clear up for trains on the opposite track, they can focus really on doing the work well," she said.

"By allowing essentially almost 8 hours of uninterrupted work time, they can really focus on doing the work safely and productively."

More than 200 employees worked on the project.