Montpelier Train Station Completes A Badly Needed Makeover

While the station remains off the beaten path and still lacks Wi-Fi and a ticket office, its ADA accessible waiting area, wheelchair lift, and better parking ensure it meets essential traveler needs.

Nestled in Berlin, Vermont, rather than Montpelier, two miles west of the state capital, Montpelier Station has long been in need of some serious improvements.

Serving both Montpelier and nearby Barre, this historic station has welcomed travelers since the mid-19th century. Now, with a $3 million platform upgrade nearing completion, Montpelier Station is poised to offer a safer and more accessible entry to passengers on Amtrak’s Vermonter line.

A Storied Past

Montpelier Station’s history traces back to the 1840s, when the Vermont Central Railroad established the region as a key transportation hub. The first train rolled into Montpelier on July 4, 1849, via a branch line from Montpelier Junction, with a Greek Revival-style depot constructed in 1850. A larger depot followed in 1880, replaced in 1934 by the current red-painted, wood-frame building with its distinctive gabled roof. This structure, likely the third on the site, features a cozy waiting room with wooden benches and large windows, offering a glimpse into Vermont’s rail heritage.

The station’s significance grew with the Central Vermont Railway, which took over in 1872 and made infrastructure improvements between 1906 and 1910, including an engine house and a 50,000-gallon water tank. Passenger service on the Montpelier branch ended in 1938, replaced by a bus line, and mainline service at Montpelier Junction ceased in 1966. However, the introduction of the Montrealer (later renamed the Vermonter) in 1972 revived the station, cementing its role as a gateway to Vermont’s capital.

A Modern Upgrade

The latest chapter in Montpelier Station’s story began in summer 2023, when Amtrak launched a $3 million project to overhaul the station’s platform. Paused during the harsh Vermont winter, the upgrade is expected to be completed by October or November 2024. This initiative is part of Amtrak’s broader commitment to accessibility, with 123 station upgrades completed nationwide since 2011 at a cost of $860 million, and 35 more planned this fiscal year with a $165 million investment.

The new platform, measuring 300 feet long and 13 feet wide, is raised 8 inches above the rails to ease boarding, particularly for passengers with mobility challenges. Supported by 100 helical piers, each 35 feet long, the platform ensures structural stability. A standout feature is Vermont’s first electric snowmelt system, a computer-controlled technology that activates based on temperature, humidity, and moisture to keep the platform ice-free during winter. Additional improvements include LED lighting for the platform and parking lot, a repaved parking area with ADA-compliant spaces, and pathways with slopes under 2% for enhanced accessibility. The station building itself received minor updates, including new signage to improve wayfinding.

Addressing Past Challenges

Before the upgrade, Montpelier Station’s platform was in poor condition, worn down by years of plowing and sanding. This deterioration likely posed safety risks, especially in winter, when icy surfaces and uneven terrain could have been hazardous for passengers, particularly those with disabilities. The station’s remote location in Berlin, coupled with limited lighting, may have exacerbated these concerns, especially during early morning or evening train arrivals. While no specific incidents—such as accidents or crimes—were documented in available records, the platform’s pre-upgrade state and lack of ADA compliance suggest it was a challenging environment for many travelers.

The station’s historical isolation, with service interruptions in the mid-20th century, and its “walk score” of 0 out of 100, as noted in the Vermont Rail Plan, highlight its limited multi-modal connections. These factors likely compounded perceptions of the station as dark and neglected before the current improvements.

Community Impact and Sentiment

The focus on accessibility and safety aligns with the needs of Montpelier and Barre residents, as well as visitors to Vermont’s capital.

In fiscal year 2024, Montpelier Station served 8,343 passengers and generated $619,415 in ticket revenue, a rebound from pandemic-era lows (1,609 riders in FY 2021).