The scope of environmental review for the South Coast Rail project has been narrowed to three alternatives. In an important milestone for the project, the Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs, in consultation with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, has narrowed a longer list of alternatives to rail via Attleboro, rail via Stoughton and a Rapid Bus alternative.
“We are on schedule to restore transit service to Fall River and New Bedford at a crucial time for the economy of the region and the Commonwealth,” said Transportation Secretary James Aloisi.
The Executive Office of Transportation (EOT) will now study the three options, along with a No Build option, in its draft state and federal environmental impact documents. The options are:
Rail- Attleboro. This alternative would provide new commuter rail service from Fall River and New Bedford to South Station via a new bypass track through Norton and Attleboro to the Northeast Corridor. Both electric and diesel commuter rail options will be evaluated for this alternative.
Rail- Stoughton. This alternative would provide new commuter rail service from Fall River and New Bedford to South Station through Stoughton, with an option to serve the Whittenton section of Taunton. Both electric and diesel commuter rail options will be evaluated for this alternative.
Rapid Bus. This alternative would provide rapid express bus service from Fall River, New Bedford, and Taunton to Boston using a proposed dedicated, primarily reversible bus lane along Routes 24 and I-93/128, the existing Interstate-93 HOV zipper lane, and a short portion through mixed traffic.
A preferred alternative will likely be named in the draft environmental document, slated to be released around Labor Day this year. The selection of a route will not be final until the final environmental document is complete, expected in spring of 2010. Learn more about South Coast Rail.
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