Patrick Administration Announces Fall River-New Bedford Rail Lines Improvements

(From the Massachusetts Department of Transportation)

The Patrick Administration Thursday announced the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) is beginning construction to rehabilitate the Fall River and New Bedford railroad lines, a necessary step toward providing South Coast Rail service.
Thousands of rail ties and spikes will be installed along 33 miles of right-of-way leading to Fall River and New Bedford beginning this fall and continuing until winter weather freezes the rail bed. Work will resume in spring 2014.
“South Coast residents deserve the benefits of a reliable and convenient connection to Boston and points in between,” said Governor Deval Patrick. “This work is another step in a methodical, comprehensive process that will move South Coast Rail forward.
“These track improvements are critical in building the foundation necessary to bring long-awaited passenger train service to the South Coast,” said Secretary Davey. “South Coast Rail represents economic opportunity and smart growth for the cities of New Bedford, Fall River, and Taunton.
”The upgrades strengthen the track to provide safer operations for current freight service while getting the corridor ready for the complete rehabilitation required to provide higher speed passenger service,” said South Coast Rail Project Manager Jean Fox.
A total of approximately 42,000 rail ties and thousands of spikes will be installed along the 14 miles of track leading to Fall River and 19 miles of track leading to New Bedford. 
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts purchased the rail lines from CSX Transportation in order to provide access for future South Coast Rail service.Other investments and milestones supporting South Coast Rail to date include: