Federal grant will restore passenger rail to western Vermont

(AP) — Amtrak passenger trains could be rolling into the state's largest city in about four years after the final upgrade is completed on a 75-mile stretch of track between Rutland and Burlington, transportation officials said Friday.

Passenger rail service to Burlington ended about half a century ago although the Amtrak Vermonter passes through Essex Junction, 7 miles northeast of Burlington, which has more than 40,000 residents and is the state's biggest city.

The new project will improve highways crossings, rail sidings and new passenger platforms in Vergennes and Middlebury so people can start riding the route again.

Additional upgrades are planned in the other states on the route.

Besides restoring passenger service, the upgraded system should improve freight service in the area, officials said.