State and city officials gathered Tuesday to celebrate the completion of renovations to the Amtrak station in downtown Lincoln, the latest along the Chicago-St. Louis route to see improvements.
The renovations, worth $4 million, include restored windows, doors and the station’s original ticket counter. New features have also been added, including free Wi-Fi, a climate-controlled waiting room and parking for vehicles and bikes.
“Lincoln is truly fortunate to have such a beautifully restored depot that will serve our community for many years to come,” Lincoln Mayor Seth Goodman said. “We are thankful and grateful for the vision, hard work and long hours that went into the redesign. Now that it’s finished, not only will our own citizens be able to view and use the station, but it will be an amazing facility to greet and welcome countless visitors passing through our city.”
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The building was originally constructed in 1911 and was last used as a depot more than 30 years ago. Funding for the renovations came from a federal grant administered by IDOT to improve the passenger experience on the Chicago-St. Louis route.
So far, new stations in Dwight, Pontiac and Alton have opened as part of this effort, with one in Carlinville following shortly. The stations in Normal and Springfield will also be upgraded.
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