Heartland Flyer customers benefit from $8 million in station accessibility improvements
October 13, 2026
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October 13, 2026 - TRA Newswire -
Amtrak passengers have a more welcoming experience at two Oklahoma stations following about $8 million in improvements. Amtrak Heartland Flyer trains stop in Norman and Pauls Valley twice daily on the route between Fort Worth, Texas, and Oklahoma City.
“Amtrak is committed to making our stations accessible to all customers and we are actively working on accessibility across the national network where more than 80 stations have accessibility projects under construction.” said Amtrak Vice President of Accessibility Dr. David Handera. “We want all of our stations to provide a welcoming environment for every passenger.”
Improvements enhance the passenger experience by providing a level surface for wheeled mobility devices, strollers and users of rolling luggage.
Now that the Texas Department of Transportation is funding the Heartland Flyer for 2027, other Texas station improvement projects will be scheduled for completion. There was doubt earlier this year if the state did not pick up its share of funding, train service would end. Oklahoma's contribution was to run out in early 2027 without Texas' support for this shared-state service.
The Gainesville, Texas station on the Heartland Flyer route is scheduled to be ADA compliant in fiscal year 2028. Some $2.1 million has been set aside for platform improvements and the contract would have been cancelled if Flyer service ended.
“Amtrak’s improvements to both the Norman and Pauls Valley stations in Oklahoma will enhance accessibility for wheeled mobility devices, strollers, and users of rolling luggage. As the representative for both stations, I am excited to see infrastructure accessibility being enhanced throughout my district and am grateful to see Amtrak make this investment,” said Congressman Tom Cole (Okla. 4th District)
Twenty-two stations were brought into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act in the 12 months ending Sept. 30 and another 58 stations are targeted for completion in the next year at a forecasted investment of $300 million. These improvements focus on supporting Amtrak’s goals to enhance the customer experience and bring greater integrated and comprehensive accessibility to stations across the country.
Norman (NOR) $3 million
The station was built for the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railroad in 1909. Sitting in the heart of historic Norman, the Santa Fe depot is a well-preserved example of Mission Revival architecture, built in brick and limestone, with a cross-gable and clay tile roof. The station now features a 300-foot-long platform with reinstalled brick pavers and accessible paths of travel to and from the station building. Complete are sloped accessible walkways and safety barriers, energy efficient LED light fixtures that provide full coverage lighting at the platform, detectable warning systems, and new signage.
The designer of record for the project is WSP USA, one of the world’s leading engineering, science and infrastructure solutions firms, bringing together top experts across disciplines and geographies. Centennial Contractors Enterprises provided general contractor services for the project. Oklahoma contractors were Olsson Engineering, Streets Mechanical, Terracon and Greenshade Trees (Oklahoma City), Jesco Electric (Yukon) and Cantera Concrete Company (Tulsa).
Pauls Valley (PVL) $5 million
Pauls Valley opened its station in 2002 with funding assistance from the Oklahoma Department of Transportation through the Federal Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century. Built to match the original depot in style, it incorporates a climate-controlled waiting area and restrooms. The station now features a 290-foot-long concrete boarding platform with an embedded brick paver surface. Complete are sloped accessible walkways and safety barriers, energy efficient LED light fixtures that provide full coverage lighting at the platform, detectable warning systems, and new signage.
The designer of record for the project is HDR Inc., specializing in architecture, engineering, environmental and construction services. George Allen Construction provided general contractor services for the project. Oklahoma contractors were WW Builders and Smith Dressler Electric Services (Duncan) Greenshade Trees (Oklahoma City), Tolbert Tree Care (Pauls Valley), Mills Fene Services (Glenpool), Attaboy Striping and Parking Lot Services (Tecumseh) and Ark Welding & Fab (Ardmore)
Amtrak has invested more than $1 billion since 2011 in accessibility upgrades and improvement projects at 169 stations across the national network to ensure a safe, efficient, and comfortable travel experience for customers. The ADA Stations Program is advancing 116 station designs and 85 station construction projects as part of Amtrak’s ongoing commitment to providing accessibility by working toward 100% completion by 2029.
Photo credit: Amtrak
Amtrak passengers have a more welcoming experience at two Oklahoma stations following about $8 million in improvements. Amtrak Heartland Flyer trains stop in Norman and Pauls Valley twice daily on the route between Fort Worth, Texas, and Oklahoma City.
“Amtrak is committed to making our stations accessible to all customers and we are actively working on accessibility across the national network where more than 80 stations have accessibility projects under construction.” said Amtrak Vice President of Accessibility Dr. David Handera. “We want all of our stations to provide a welcoming environment for every passenger.”
Improvements enhance the passenger experience by providing a level surface for wheeled mobility devices, strollers and users of rolling luggage.
Now that the Texas Department of Transportation is funding the Heartland Flyer for 2027, other Texas station improvement projects will be scheduled for completion. There was doubt earlier this year if the state did not pick up its share of funding, train service would end. Oklahoma's contribution was to run out in early 2027 without Texas' support for this shared-state service.
The Gainesville, Texas station on the Heartland Flyer route is scheduled to be ADA compliant in fiscal year 2028. Some $2.1 million has been set aside for platform improvements and the contract would have been cancelled if Flyer service ended.
“Amtrak’s improvements to both the Norman and Pauls Valley stations in Oklahoma will enhance accessibility for wheeled mobility devices, strollers, and users of rolling luggage. As the representative for both stations, I am excited to see infrastructure accessibility being enhanced throughout my district and am grateful to see Amtrak make this investment,” said Congressman Tom Cole (Okla. 4th District)
Twenty-two stations were brought into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act in the 12 months ending Sept. 30 and another 58 stations are targeted for completion in the next year at a forecasted investment of $300 million. These improvements focus on supporting Amtrak’s goals to enhance the customer experience and bring greater integrated and comprehensive accessibility to stations across the country.
Norman (NOR) $3 million
The station was built for the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railroad in 1909. Sitting in the heart of historic Norman, the Santa Fe depot is a well-preserved example of Mission Revival architecture, built in brick and limestone, with a cross-gable and clay tile roof. The station now features a 300-foot-long platform with reinstalled brick pavers and accessible paths of travel to and from the station building. Complete are sloped accessible walkways and safety barriers, energy efficient LED light fixtures that provide full coverage lighting at the platform, detectable warning systems, and new signage.
The designer of record for the project is WSP USA, one of the world’s leading engineering, science and infrastructure solutions firms, bringing together top experts across disciplines and geographies. Centennial Contractors Enterprises provided general contractor services for the project. Oklahoma contractors were Olsson Engineering, Streets Mechanical, Terracon and Greenshade Trees (Oklahoma City), Jesco Electric (Yukon) and Cantera Concrete Company (Tulsa).
Pauls Valley (PVL) $5 million
Pauls Valley opened its station in 2002 with funding assistance from the Oklahoma Department of Transportation through the Federal Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century. Built to match the original depot in style, it incorporates a climate-controlled waiting area and restrooms. The station now features a 290-foot-long concrete boarding platform with an embedded brick paver surface. Complete are sloped accessible walkways and safety barriers, energy efficient LED light fixtures that provide full coverage lighting at the platform, detectable warning systems, and new signage.
The designer of record for the project is HDR Inc., specializing in architecture, engineering, environmental and construction services. George Allen Construction provided general contractor services for the project. Oklahoma contractors were WW Builders and Smith Dressler Electric Services (Duncan) Greenshade Trees (Oklahoma City), Tolbert Tree Care (Pauls Valley), Mills Fene Services (Glenpool), Attaboy Striping and Parking Lot Services (Tecumseh) and Ark Welding & Fab (Ardmore)
Amtrak has invested more than $1 billion since 2011 in accessibility upgrades and improvement projects at 169 stations across the national network to ensure a safe, efficient, and comfortable travel experience for customers. The ADA Stations Program is advancing 116 station designs and 85 station construction projects as part of Amtrak’s ongoing commitment to providing accessibility by working toward 100% completion by 2029.
Photo credit: Amtrak