$35 Million Amtrak Project Will Upgrade Train Station To Handle Future Of Sacramento
SACRAMENTO (CBS13) — Sacramento Amtrak train construction crews were working at a fever pitch on Friday as they anticipate a flood of traffic and visitors this fall.
It's a multimillion-dollar upgrade promising improved transportation options once the Golden 1 Center opens in Downtown Sacramento.
Sacramento city officials say after 90 years, it's more than just a face lift—it's an economic lift.
A buzz of synergy in and around the Sacramento Valley Amtrak station filled with commuters, and an army of construction workers share the historic space on a daily basis.
"It's the seventh biggest Amtrak station in the nation," said project manager Greg Taylor.
The big, $35 million project that's paid for in part by federal grants is transforming the 90-year-old building into a state-of-the-art, innovative hub for the more than 1 million commuters and visitors, complete with new office and retail space.
"We're going to redo this whole area as a plaza," he said.
Sacramento and Amtrak officials are preparing for an expected flood of people at the new Golden 1 Center. In coming years, the new Kaiser building will also be coming and a possible soccer stadium down the street.
But to get them here, it takes more than just Amtrak.
"You've got all kinds of transportation to get to the station now," said commuter Ron Dillion.
The project also includes a study to add more light-rail trains, buses, bike routes and bicycle lockers.
Maintaining its historic roots is also a priority. Once covered with cigarette smoke and soot, the station's original mural is restored.
The 68,000 square-foot Sacramenbto jewel is getting a fresh coat of new beginnings.
The train station project should be finished by the time the Golden 1 Center opens in the fall.