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Passenger platform installations mark latest stage of Wells transport center upgrade

Heavy machinery works on a rail line. Photo / Courtesy Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority Great Falls Construction in Gorham installed structural steel to support elevator towers and an elevated pedestrian bridge connecting train platforms in Wells.
By Laurie Schreiber

New passenger platforms were installed at the Wells Regional Transportation Center, as well as structural steel to support elevator towers and elevated pedestrian bridge connecting the platforms.   

The work was done by Great Falls Construction in Gorham and commissioned by the Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority, according to a news release.

The project was part of the authority’s Wells Area Improvement Project and marked visible progress toward improved and increased Amtrak Downeaster service throughout the region. 

The overall project is being constructed by Great Falls Construction. Oversight was provided by WSP, a professional services firm, and design was done by VHB, a civil engineering firm in Massachusetts.

“Placing critical structures using one of the largest mobile cranes in the state required detailed coordination and teamwork,” said Patrick Harrington, project manager at Great Falls Construction. 

Steel structures stand over a rail line.
Photo / Courtesy Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority
New passenger platforms were installed at the Wells Regional Transportation Center.

The project, funded by the Federal Railroad Administration, Maine Department of Transportation and CSX Transportation, began in 2021 and includes a 6-mile extension of rail infrastructure, completed by CSX in December 2024, as well as expanded station facilities designed to increase operational efficiency.  

Once complete, the project, in conjunction with signal upgrades, will enable Amtrak to operate an additional Downeaster round-trip between Brunswick and Wells scheduled to provide southern Maine commuters with car-free workday access into Greater Portland. 

Benefiting business

“This project fuels regional growth by paving the way for expanded service that will benefit businesses, commuters, visitors and our communities across Greater Portland,” said Quincy Henzel, CEO of the Portland Regional Chamber of Commerce.

The town of Wells staffs and manages the Wells Transportation Center through a lease agreement with the Maine Turnpike Authority.  

“The town greatly appreciates the collaborative working relationship we have had with NNEPRA and MTA in the development and construction of this project, which provides a fabulous opportunity to better connect Wells and surrounding communities to jobs, attractions and schools between Boston and Brunswick,” said Michael Pardue, Wells’ town manager.

Construction of the platform at Wells Transportation Center began March 3. One boarding platform currently exists adjacent to the station building. That platform was rebuilt and a second platform constructed across the tracks. The platforms are connected via an overhead pedestrian bridge. The second platform allows Downeaster trains operating in opposing directions to board and alight Wells passengers at the same time.    

The total project budget is $31 million, paid for through a Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvement Grant awarded to the authority by the Federal Railroad Administration in 2019 matched by a 20% contribution from the Maine Department of Transportation and 6.5% contribution from CSX.

Patricia Quinn, executive director of the Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority, said the overall project to build and improve the station platforms and facility is expected to be completed in 2026.

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