Amtrak has announced a $45 million renovation of Wilmington’s Joseph R. Biden Jr. Railroad Station, bringing modern amenities to one of the busiest Northeast Corridor stations.

Upgrades include expanded seating with charging stations, new retail concessions including a Brew HaHa! coffee bar, ADA-compliant platforms with new elevators, upgraded HVAC and lighting, and enhanced security infrastructure.

Construction begins early 2027 with phased approach keeping the station operational. The station handles approximately 1,600 passengers daily. Funded through federal infrastructure funds and Amtrak capital investment.

Mayor Purzycki praised the project as ‘transformational for downtown Wilmington and our status as a connected, modern city on the Northeast Corridor.’

Governor Matt Meyer joined Wilmington city officials on Monday to break ground on the long-awaited Riverwalk Extension Project, a $28 million initiative that will add 1.5 miles of waterfront trails connecting the Riverfront district to Fox Point State Park.

The project, funded through a combination of state, federal, and city resources, includes a paved multi-use path for walking and cycling, enhanced lighting and safety features, native plantings and ecological restoration along the shoreline, two new public access points with kayak launches, and interpretive signage highlighting the Christina River’s history.

Construction is expected to be completed by fall 2027. The project is part of a broader state initiative to improve public access to Delaware’s waterways and promote outdoor recreation.

“This investment connects our neighborhoods to the water and to each other,” said Mayor Purzycki. “The Riverwalk is already one of our most popular assets. This extension will make it even better.”

The existing Riverwalk attracts an estimated 500,000 visitors annually. City planners expect the extension to boost foot traffic to nearby businesses and increase property values in the surrounding neighborhoods.