New Fulton Amtrak Station Could be Built Next Year

Plans to replace Fulton's aging Amtrak station could become a reality by late next year.

The Fulton County Transit Authority says Amtrak is currently selecting design firms to work on the project, which would replace the current mobile building being used as a station with a larger, permanent structure. 

“We have begun the process to get Fulton the new station we promised,” said Derrick James, Senior Manager of Government Affairs for Amtrak. “Right now, we’re selecting from our on-call team of design firms. Throughout the summer we will review the designs as it advances through several phases (30%/60%/90%/100%). Once a design if finalized we’ll go out for bid for construction.”

James said construction on the new station could begin in November, and be completed 9-10 months later.

James says the project will feature a new, enclosed, climate-controlled station building with unisex restroom, and a 750’ long, 12’ wide, lighted, passenger boarding platform.

Locally raised funds are still being considered to pay for the project, according to James.

“We had discussed using locally raised funds for enhancement of our project, items that we’re not allowed to spend funds on,” James said. “Our work will all take place on CN ROW, 
but we could certainly use a marquee sign out on Highway 51 to highlight the location of the station. This location is not on property we have access to. We could use Fulton County’s 
support for such an initiative.”

Fulton County Transit Authority Executive Director Kenney Etherton celebrated the news that the project was moving forward.

“In spite of a pandemic, we can still put good news out,” Etherton said. “Our Amtrak project is progressing. I am now looking forward to the design and construction phases to 
begin.”

City Manager Mike Gunn also applauded the news.

“I know the community has heard it before, but I am excited to finally have an anticipated start date for construction of the new Amtrak station here in the City of Fulton. Just be patient,” Gunn said. “Having one of our transportation partners committed to providing the community a new station by 2022 is such great news. I can’t wait for the design to be completed and construction to begin in November.”

Gunn added he feels the new station will enhance connectivity to the rest of the country for the city as well as Kentucky.