2023-10-27 07:00:00
An Amtrak passenger rail line connecting Baton Rouge to New Orleans is on track to be operational as early as 2027, based on an agreement signed Thursday by Gov. John Bel Edwards, Amtrack’s CEO and the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development Secretary.
From start to finish, the route is projected to take 75-90 minutes. The route will launch with one round trip daily, with the possibility for more, if it’s chugging along well.
Baton Rouge to New Orleans passenger route stops
- Baton Rouge Downtown
- Baton Rouge South
- Gonzales
- LaPlace
- New Orleans International Airport
- Jefferson Parish (undecided)
- New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal
“An Amtrak line connecting Louisiana’s capital to the largest metropolitan area in the state will have immense economic benefits for both cities and the parishes in between,” Edwards said. “Not only will this service potentially reduce the number of vehicles on the roadways which will result in less congestion, but it will also connect communities through employment opportunities and allow for more transportation options for festivals, sporting events and concerts.”
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This agreement develops a plan that started originally in 2008, according to the governor’s office, and patches the 54-year-old passenger railway gap that’s existed between the Red Stick and Crescent City since 1969.
The route’s schedule, times and fares will be announced later as the project nears launch, Amtrak said.
The governor’s office said the project will offer an alternative to driving, less vehicular traffic, economic development close by the stations, jobs in multiple sectors and an emergency evacuation option.
Amtrak will use tracks that are currently in place and owned by Canadian Pacific Kansas City and Canada National railways, which run along the I-10 corridor, the governor’s office said. Infrastructure upgrades will begin in 2024.
The new Baton Rouge-New Orleans route will connect with other regional lines and schedules.
“This historic agreement represents a significant step forward in uniting our dynamic capital city, Baton Rouge, with our neighbor, New Orleans,” said Baton Rouge Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome. “It emphasizes our commitment to economic growth and improved public transportation for our residents and commuters along the route. We’re excited to welcome travelers to our future train depot, a link that will further position Baton Rouge as an important hub in southeast Louisiana.”
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