The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) provided an update on the progress of the South Coast Rail project, including a new milestone reached that brings the project closer to completion. The project, which spans across six stations, Middleborough, East Taunton, Freetown, Fall River Depot, Church Street, and New Bedford, will start running test trains on Monday, June 17, 2024. When complete, the project will restore rail service between Boston and the South Coast for the first time in over 70 years.
The MBTA and MBTA General Manager and CEO Phillip Eng hosted two public meetings on Thursday, June 13, 2024, to update residents on the South Coast Rail project – one at Bristol Community College in Fall River and the other at the Whaling Museum in New Bedford. General Manager Eng provided an update on the South Coast Rail project’s current progress and future plans.
After a review of the project, General Manager Eng determined that new project leadership was needed to ensure the success and safety of the project. The timeline adjustment to spring 2025 for passengers allows for more resources and attention to make South Coast Rail reliable on the first day of service and beyond. Nationally, these projects are highly specialized and complex, requiring specific expertise, with the system testing phase being one of the most challenging aspects to ensure seamless integration of all components.
Four locomotives have undergone a comprehensive overhaul and are now prepared to provide the necessary pulling power to operate the trains efficiently. Additionally, 16 modern bi-level coaches have been specifically acquired to serve passengers on South Coast Rail. Bi-level coaches offer increased passenger capacity with comfortable seating arrangements on two levels, ideal for commuter routes.
Four stations are now complete: Fall River, Freetown, Middleborough, and Church Street. Two stations are nearing completion:
- New Bedford is 97% finished and expected to be fully complete by July 2024. The contractor is currently finalizing minor details (punch list work).
- East Taunton is 75% complete and anticipated to be finished in August 2024. Construction crews are focusing on completing the elevator installation and paving work.
Once all components – stations, layover facilities, tracks, ATC, and the PTC system – are built, tested, and approved, the project will move to the final phase of “New Start” implementation with the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA). This phase involves certifying train operators, final inspections, and running demonstration services without passengers. The timeline for this final stage depends on the FRA’s review and requirements.
-via Press Release
