BANGOR, Maine — An extension of Amtrak Downeaster service in Maine moved has moved a step closer to a limited trial this summer.

The Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority voted on Monday to approve a three-weekend trial in August of an extension of the Downeaster from Brunswick to Rockland, a distance of just more than 50 miles, with intermediate stops in Bath, Wiscasset, and Newcastle.

The extension was originally planned for 10 weeks but was trimmed because of funding limits, the Bandor Daily News reported.

The plan now goes to the Maine Department of Transportation, which approves the rail authority budget and owns the Brunswick-Rockland line, for final approval.