South Coast Rail

South Coast Rail. It is a major public works project to restore passenger commuter rail service from Boston to the cities of Fall River and New Bedford in Southeastern Massachusetts. The initiative, managed by the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority and the Massachusetts Department of Transportation, represents the largest expansion of the MBTA Commuter Rail network in decades. Upon completion, it will connect a historically underserved region to the economic and cultural hub of Greater Boston.

History

The push for renewed rail service to Fall River and New Bedford began in earnest in the late 20th century, following the cessation of passenger service by the New York, New Haven and Hartford Railroad in the 1950s. Advocacy was led by local political figures, including the late Edward M. Kennedy and Congressman Barney Frank, who argued for regional equity and economic development. The project gained formal state authorization in the 1990s, with the Massachusetts Executive Office of Transportation conducting initial studies. Decades of political debate, shifting alignments, and environmental reviews followed, with a major milestone reached in 2019 when the United States Army Corps of Engineers issued a critical permit under the Clean Water Act.

Project description

The project is being constructed in two primary phases. Phase 1, currently underway, utilizes the existing Middleborough/Lakeville Line corridor before branching onto new track along the CSX Transportation freight right-of-way, known as the "Middleborough Secondary." This phase involves constructing new stations, rebuilding historic depots like Freetown's, and installing modern electrification for new dual-mode locomotives. Phase 2, a longer-term proposal, envisions a more direct route via Stoughton, requiring extensive work through the environmentally sensitive Hockomock Swamp and the Blue Hills Reservation. The entire design prioritizes compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act and state environmental regulations.

Service and stations

Initial service under Phase 1 will originate at South Station in Boston and serve ten new stations across the region. Key stations include Freetown, Fall River, and New Bedford, with intermediate stops in Taunton at Taunton Station and East Taunton. The MBTA has procured a fleet of new dual-mode locomotives from Stadler Rail that can operate on diesel power outside the electrified zone and switch to electric mode in the South Station Tunnel. Projected travel times to Boston are approximately 75 minutes, with service expected to align with existing MBTA Commuter Rail schedules operated under contract by Keolis.

Funding and costs

The project is financed through a combination of state bonding, federal grants, and Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority capital budgets. A significant portion of funding was secured through the Transportation Bond Bill authorized by the Massachusetts Legislature and signed by Governor Charlie Baker. The Federal Transit Administration has contributed via its Capital Investment Grants program. The estimated cost for Phase 1 exceeds $1 billion, with overall project costs for both phases projected to be several billion dollars. Financial oversight is conducted by the Massachusetts Department of Transportation's Board of Directors and is subject to review by the state's Auditor of the Commonwealth.

Timeline and status

After decades of planning, major construction on Phase 1 began in 2019 following the final environmental approvals and the release of a Full Funding Grant Agreement by the Federal Transit Administration. Key construction milestones have included the laying of new track, bridge repairs over the Taunton River, and station groundwork. As of 2023, testing of the new Stadler Rail locomotives is underway, with revenue service for Phase 1 projected to commence in late 2024. The timeline for the more complex Phase 2 via Stoughton remains uncertain, pending further environmental review, design finalization, and additional funding allocations from the United States Congress and state authorities.