Amtrak Expanding Service in California’s Central Valley

Amtrak plans to double passenger rail service in Stanislaus County, California, thanks in part to an $18.7 million federal grant, reports John Holland in The Modesto. “The money, announced Oct. 29, will go toward second tracks and boarding platforms at the Modesto and Denair stations. This will allow passenger and freight trains to pass each other without delays, said Edward Barrera, deputy division chief for public affairs at the California Department of Transportation.”

Amtrak is also expanding the Altamont Corridor Express, which connects the Central Valley and San Francisco Bay Area. “The southern extension will bring service to Manteca, Modesto and Ceres as soon as 2026 under the current timeline. Turlock would follow in 2029 and Livingston and Merced between 2030 and 2033.” Some stations would connect to the California High-Speed Rail line, which gained a key approval for the final southern segment this summer.

The expansion work will also include pedestrian and vehicle safety improvements such as crossing gates, signs, and sidewalks.