MassDOT's plan for the next generation of transportation investment in the Commonwealth: The Way Forward: A 21st Century Transportation Plan includes strategic regional investments across the Commonwealth.
Western Massachusetts, Berkshires
The plan includes passenger rail service connecting Boston and Springfield along the “Inland Route,” and rehabilitation of infrastructure to support rail service between Pittsfield and New York City.
$362.4 million will rehabilitate the “Inland Route” by creating a second track, widening bridges, upgrading signals purchasing train equipment, and constructing or rehabilitating stations. This supports future high-speed rail to New York City via Springfield.
$113.8 million will rehabilitate rail from the Berkshires to New York City, including track, signals and structures between Pittsfield and the Massachusetts-Connecticut state line to support future rail service between Pittsfield and New York City.
The plan funds the I-91 Viaduct in Springfield, a $32.2 million increase to the Pioneer Valley Transit Authority in FY14, a $3.2 million increase to the Berkshire Regional Transit Authority (BRTA), and a $1 million increase to the Franklin Regional Transit Authority (FRTA), along with reconstruction of Route 2 in Erving Center, the Mohawk bike and pedestrian trail in North Adams and the Skyline Trail in Hinsdale.
Central Massachusetts
The plan includes an $11.1 million increase in funding for the Worcester Regional Transit Authority (WRTA) in FY14. The plan also includes $12 million for improvements and safety enhancements at the interchange of I-495 and Route 9 in Westborough, reconstruction of Quinsigamond Avenue from Brosnihan Square to Southbridge Street in Worcester, and resurfacing of Route 119 in Groton and Littleton.
South Coast
The plan funds completion of the South Coast Rail Line with diesel-fueled commuter trains to connect Boston to Fall River and New Bedford. The $1.8 billion investment is expected to create 3,800 jobs and generate $500 million in new economic activity statewide annually.
The plan also includes a $5.4 million increase in funding for the Southeastern Regional Transit Authority (SRTA) in FY14, interchange improvements at Routes 24 and 140 in Taunton, improvements to Route 6 and Fauce Corner Road in Dartmouth and reconstruction of Route 18 from Cove Street to Griffin Court in New Bedford.
Cape & Islands
The plan restores seasonal rail service on weekends between Boston and Hyannis. The $20.8 million investment will upgrade rail, grade crossings, bridges and station accessibility.
The plan also includes a $5.9 million increase in funding for the Cape Cod Regional Transit Authority (CCRTA) in FY14, median construction along Route 6 in Bourne and resurfacing Route 6A in Brewster.
Are there any plans for the Northeast region, Lowell, Haverhill, and Lawrence areas. I did not see any mention of plans for these regions in "The Way Forward: A 21st - Century Transportation Plan".
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This is a statewide transportation investment plan. For example, more than $9 billion of the $13 billion we propose to invest in our infrastructure will be used to maintain our current system of highways and bridges. The Plan includes an additional $100 million per year for local roads and bridges (Chapter 90 program) and an additional $40 million per year for Regional Transit Authorities to expand service.
Posted by: Paul Early | January 19, 2013 at 03:38 PM
It's great that tracks are being upgraded in western Mass.
Besides supporting future high-speed rail to NYC, are there more immediate plans for increased conventional rail service between Boston and Springfield? Who would operate this service?
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No immediate plans. The investment of $362.4 million to rehabilitate the “Inland Route” by creating a second track, widening bridges, upgrading signals purchasing train equipment, and constructing or rehabilitating stations is necessary for service.
Posted by: boblothrope | January 18, 2013 at 02:39 PM