The New England Passenger Rail Authority, which operates The Downeaster in partnership with Amtrak, has now revealed three possible locations for a new station that would make travel easier on the popular train that runs from Brunswick, Maine, to Boston, Massachusetts.

Currently, to get to the station at Thompson's Point, the Downeaster has to go off the main track onto a route known as the Mountain Division, which the Maine Central Railroad used to haul freight and passengers from Portland to St. Johnsbury, Vermont. Most of the line was abandoned in 1983, but parts are still used by CSX Transportation, The Conway Scenic Railroad, and of course, the Downeaster.

Trains have to back in and back out of the Mountain Division track, which slows things down. Since the current Portland station is not on the Maine line, trains going to or from Brunswick have to essentially take a detour off the main line to the station.

According to the Portland Press Herald, the New England Passenger Rail Authority has selected three locations in mind for the new station. One is between Congress Street and Park Avenue behind Amato’s McDonald’s on St. John Street. A second is between the southern end of St. John Street and Mercy Hospital.

The third site is near the location of the old Union Station. It was demolished in 1961 and was the impetus for the creation of Portland Landmarks, which works to preserve historical structures in the city.

Public Domain
Public Domain
loading...

It's a shame that the station was torn down. It would have been a great building for passenger trains once again.

Whatever site is chosen, let's hope this gets approved. A station along St. John Street would shave 15 minutes off the travel times.

25 Celebrities Who Have Owned Homes In Maine

From Kittery to Islesboro, some of Hollywood's biggest names have owned homes in Maine. We explore the who and where. 

Gallery Credit: Joey

LOOK: 35 Vintage Cereals That Perfectly Captured Pop Culture Moments

Movies and TV shows have always found ways to partner with cereal companies as part of their promotion strategy. While some may have come up with a giveaway in boxes, others went big by having their own cereal connected to the movie or TV show title. Here are vintage cereals that were used to promote some of pop culture's biggest moments (and some you probably forgot about).

Gallery Credit: Rob Carroll

More From 92.9 The Ticket