Federal Grant Will Fund Next Step in West-East Rail MassDOT received a $3.5 million federal grant to move West-East Rail closer to reality and improve plans for increased passenger rail service between Boston, Springfield and Albany through strategic planning and stakeholder engagement.

Federal support grows for West-East Rail project

This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

West-East Rail funding strengthens momentum

Massachusetts fuels progress on West-East Rail with new FRA funding. The $3.5 million grant will speed up planning for Boston – Albany corridor service.

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The plan, officials said, will include studies of the feasibility, infrastructure and operations. It will also analyze options, costs and potential service enhancements that would provide substantial regional benefits from the corridor.

West-East Rail planning and prospectives

Public input will play a role in determining where stations will be located and what the service hours will be. Community feedback will support shaping the project to fulfill regional transportation and economic development demands.

The funding “puts the Massachusetts on path toward success,” said Governor Maura Healey. These were all direct outcomes of the game-changing project, she said, which helped reduce congestion, improved transportation links and enhanced economic development.

With $150 million committed (and counting) to which construction phases can be pinned, Massachusetts is putting up a solid foundation. Corridor experts say that it holds great potential to change travel behavior and elevate sustainable modes of transportation.

As planning progresses, MassDOT anticipates it will be able to further develop project costs and time frames. Strategic investment will be crucial in realising the large-scale economic and environmental gains envisaged for this corridor.

Source: www.progressiverailroading.com

What is West-East Rail?

West-East Rail is a planned passenger rail service between Boston, Springfield, and Albany, providing a mobility option to lift up communities across the Commonwealth.

What will West-East Rail do to enhance regional travel?

It will provide faster, more reliable service, while easing congestion on the highway and opening up economic and tourism opportunities along the corridor.

How is the project funded to date?

State and federal agencies in Massachusetts have secured around $150 million, including a $3.5 million grant announced in August to further planning for the corridor.

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