South Coast Rail

This article is about the construction project. For the rail service using the reconstructed lines, see Fall River/New Bedford Line.

South Coast Rail
The completed Freetown station in December 2022
Overview
Status	Phase 1 opened Phase 2 proposed
Locale	Southeastern Massachusetts
Termini	Boston South Station Fall River New Bedford Battleship Cove (Phase 2)
Stations	6 new stations in Phase 1 5 new stations in Phase 2
Service
Type	Commuter rail
System	MBTA Commuter Rail
Daily ridership	Phase 1: 2,280 projected boardings at new stations [1] : 6
History
Opened	March 24, 2025 (Phase 1)
Closed	Previous New York, New Haven and Hartford Railroad service ended on September 5, 1958
Technical
Track gauge	4 ft 8+1⁄2 in (1,435 mm) standard gauge
Electrification	Phase 2 only (proposed)
Operating speed	79 miles per hour (127 km/h)
Route map   Phase 1  Phase 2Show interactive map 0.0 mi 0 km South Station Northeast Corridor Fairmount Line Track 61 2.3 mi 3.7 km JFK/UMass 7.9 mi 12.7 km Quincy Center Greenbush Line 10.9 mi 17.5 km Braintree Kingston Line 15.0 mi 24.1 km Holbrook/​Randolph 18.6 mi 29.9 km Montello 20.0 mi 32.2 km Brockton 21.9 mi 35.2 km Campello 27.7 mi 44.6 km Bridgewater CapeFLYER Existing service South Coast Rail 34.5 mi 55.5 km Middleborough Middleboro Yard Middleboro Secondary Dean Street Industrial Track (South Coast Rail Phase 2) Attleboro Secondary 42.8 mi 68.9 km East Taunton New Bedford Branch 57.4 mi 92.4 km Church Street 60.0 mi 96.6 km New Bedford Fall River Branch 51.2 mi 82.4 km Freetown 56.6 mi 91.1 km Fall River Fall River Subdivision This diagram: view talk edit Show route diagram map for Phase 1 0.0 mi 0 km South Station Fairmount, Greenbush, and Old Colony Lines 1.2 mi 1.9 km Back Bay Framingham/Worcester Line 2.2 mi 3.5 km Ruggles 5.0 mi 8 km Forest Hills Needham Line 8.4 mi 13.5 km Hyde Park Fairmount Line 9.5 mi 15.3 km Readville Franklin/Foxboro Line 11.4 mi 18.3 km Route 128 14.8 mi 23.8 km Canton Junction Northeast Corridor and Providence Line 15.6 mi 25.1 km Canton Center 18.9 mi 30.4 km Stoughton Existing service Phase 2 21.4 mi 34.4 km North Easton 22.7 mi 36.5 km Easton Village 29.1 mi 46.8 km Raynham Place 34.3 mi 55.2 km Taunton Attleboro Secondary Phase 2 Phase 1 Middleboro Secondary 37.5 mi 60.4 km East Taunton New Bedford Branch 51.9 mi 83.5 km Church Street 54.7 mi 88 km New Bedford Fall River Branch 45.7 mi 73.5 km Freetown 51.1 mi 82.2 km Fall River Phase 1 Phase 2 52.1 mi 83.8 km Battleship Cove Fall River Subdivision This diagram: view talk edit Show route diagram map for Phase 2

South Coast Rail is a project to expand the MBTA Commuter Rail system into the South Coast region of Massachusetts, United States. The first phase opened on March 24, 2025, becoming part of the Fall River/New Bedford Line. It extended service from Middleborough via Taunton with branches to Fall River, and New Bedford. Six stations and two layover yards were constructed and 36.1 miles (58.1 km) of freight railroad track were rebuilt for passenger service.

Previous passenger service to the South Coast ran over four different routes: via Mansfield, via Stoughton, via Randolph, and via Middleborough. The first lines reached Taunton in 1836, New Bedford in 1840, and Fall River in 1846. The network of lines in southeastern Massachusetts was consolidated by 1888 under the Old Colony Railroad, which was in turn acquired by the New York, New Haven and Hartford Railroad in 1893. Passenger service peaked in the early 20th century and declined thereafter, with the final service to the South Coast in 1958.

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) began planning the restoration of South Coast service in the 1980s. Feasibility studies were released in 1990 and 1995; the MBTA filed plans for a route using a new bypass near Attleboro in 1995. Environmental impact statements instead recommended a route via Stoughton, which required reactivating an abandoned section of rail line. Planning was suspended in 2002 due to increasing costs but resumed several years later. In 2010, the state purchased the rail lines from CSX Transportation. Environmental impact statements in 2011 and 2013 again recommended the Stoughton route; state officials mandated that the service be electrified.

In March 2017, the project was split into two phases due to high costs and long construction timelines. Phase 1 would provide interim diesel service to Fall River and New Bedford via Middleborough as an extension of the existing Middleborough/Lakeville Line. Phase 2 would complete the northern section of the project between Stoughton and Taunton and add electrification to the Phase 1 portion. Phase 1 construction began in 2019 with a projected cost of $1.047 billion and opened on March 24, 2025. Phase 2, which is not funded, would result in a total projected cost of $3.42 billion if built.

Route

Phase 1

Two trains at East Taunton station

The project, primarily located in the South Coast region of Massachusetts, is split into two phases. Phase 1 opened on March 24, 2025, as part of the Fall River/New Bedford Line. It was an extension of the existing Middleborough/Lakeville Line using diesel-hauled trains. The Phase 1 routing splits from the Middleborough Main Line in downtown Middleborough, with Middleborough station replacing Middleborough/Lakeville station. It runs west along the Middleboro Secondary through Lakeville and Taunton to Cotley Junction, where it turns southeast onto the New Bedford Main Line and reaches East Taunton station. At Myricks Junction in Berkley it splits into two southern branches. The Fall River Branch follows the Fall River Secondary southwest through Freetown and Fall River, with stops at Freetown station and Fall River station. The New Bedford Branch follows the New Bedford Main Line southeast through Lakeville, Freetown, and New Bedford, with stops at Church Street station and New Bedford station. ^{[2] [1] : 48}

Phase 1 added passenger service to 36.1 miles (58.1 km) of track. The 7.1-mile (11.4 km) section of the Middleboro Secondary used for the project is single track with one siding. The 4.3 miles (6.9 km) of the New Bedford Main Line between Cotley Junction and Myricks Junction are double track, while the 14.0 miles (22.5 km) between Myricks Junction and New Bedford are a mix of single and double track. The 10.7 miles (17.2 km) of the Fall River Secondary are also a mixture. ^{[1] : 52} Positive train control was installed on the lines for the project. ^{[1] : 54} Except for sidings and the Church Street–New Bedford section, the track was built to support passenger train speeds of 79 miles per hour (127 km/h). ^{[1] : 53} Layover yards were built at Weaver's Cove in northern Fall River and Wamsutta near the New Bedford station. ^{[1] : 4} The six new stations are accessible with full-length high-level platforms. ^{[1] : 56–58} Construction cost for Phase 1 was estimated as $1.047 billion in 2019 (equivalent to $1.23 billion in 2023). ^[3]

Phase 2

The former station building at North Easton, proposed to be the site of Easton Village station

Phase 2 ("full build"), which is proposed but not funded, would turn the South Coast lines into an extension of the Stoughton Branch of the Providence/Stoughton Line. From Stoughton station, it would run south along the former Dighton and Somerset Railroad through Easton, Raynham, and Taunton. At Weir Junction in Taunton, it would turn southeast onto the New Bedford Main Line, meeting the Phase 1 routing at Cotley Junction. New intermediate stops would be added at North Easton station, Easton Village station, Raynham Place station, and Taunton station. The Fall River Branch would also be extended south to a new Battleship Cove station. The Stoughton Branch, the new segments, and the Phase 1 segments (except for the Middleboro Secondary) would be electrified. ^[4] Total cost for the both phases was estimated as $3.4 billion in 2017 (equivalent to $4 billion in 2023). ^[5]

Unlike Phase 1, Phase 2 would involve reactivation of previously abandoned railroad right-of-way, as the portion between southern Stoughton and eastern Taunton was abandoned around the 1960s. ^{[6] : 1–6  [7]} In southern Easton and northern Raynham, the route passes through the Hockomock Swamp on a low embankment, which is partially rewilded though used by pedestrians and all-terrain vehicle riders. The swamp is a designated Area of Critical Environmental Concern and houses several endangered species including the blue-spotted salamander. ^{[8] [9] [10]} An 8,500-foot (2,600 m) trestle atop the embankment is proposed to allow animals to pass under the tracks and limit the disturbance to the existing ground. The trestle would use concrete box girders on piles spaced at 50 feet (15 m), with a maintenance siding in the middle. ^{[11] [a]}

Previous service

Expansion

The first station in New Bedford

Previous passenger service to the South Coast ran over four different routes: via Mansfield, via Stoughton, via Randolph, and via Middleborough. The first rail line to reach the area was the Taunton Branch Railroad, which connected with the Boston and Providence Railroad (B&P) at Mansfield. It opened to Taunton in August 1836; a closely affiliated extension, the New Bedford and Taunton Railroad, opened to New Bedford in July 1840. ^{[13] : 39–398} The Middleborough and Taunton Railroad opened in July 1856; it connected with the New Bedford and Taunton at Cotley Junction south of Taunton. ^{[13] : 398}

The first segment of what would become the Fall River Railroad opened from Myricks (on the New Bedford and Taunton) to Fall River on June 9, 1845. ^{[14] [15]} The rest of the line opened in 1846 from Myricks through Middleborough to South Braintree on the Old Colony Railroad, creating a second route from Fall River to Boston. The next year, owner Richard Borden founded the Fall River Line, which operated New York–Fall River steamship service. It connected with the "Boat Train" on the Fall River Railroad to provide New York–Boston through service. ^{[13] : 403} The Old Colony Railroad and the Fall River Railroad merged in 1854 as the Old Colony and Fall River Railroad. It merged with the Newport and Fall River Railroad in 1863 to become the Old Colony and Newport Railway, then with the Cape Cod Railroad in 1872 to become the Old Colony Railroad. ^{[16] : 95}

The Stoughton Branch Railroad opened in April 1845 from Stoughton to Canton Junction on the B&P. ^{[13] : 181} An extension, the Easton Branch Railroad, opened to North Easton on May 16, 1855. ^{[16] : 29} In 1863, the Dighton and Somerset Railroad began construction on a line between Somerset Junction (north of Fall River) and Braintree Highlands – both on the Old Colony and Newport – via Taunton, North Easton, and Randolph. The Old Colony and Newport purchased the potential competitor in 1865 and opened it on September 24, 1866. ^{[17] : 11  [13] : 393} It used the Easton Branch Railroad between North Easton and Stoughton Junction (south of Stoughton); passenger service ended between Stoughton and Stoughton Junction. The new route via Randolph was shorter than the Middleborough and Mansfield routes; it became the Old Colony's primary Fall River–Boston routing. ^{[13] : 394}

Consolidation

Old Colony Railroad network in 1893

The Taunton Branch Railroad opened a branch from Attleboro Junction (west of Taunton) to Attleboro in 1871. The company merged with the New Bedford and Taunton in 1874 as the New Bedford Railroad. ^{[13] : 398} The Old Colony acquired the Middleborough and Taunton Railroad in 1874 and a successor of the New Bedford Railroad in 1879. ^{[13] : 399} Around 1882, the Old Colony opened the Whittenton Branch between Whittenton Junction (near Attleboro Junction) and Raynham. It allowed trains on the Dighton and Somerset to serve Taunton Central station rather than Dean Street station, thus consolidating Taunton's passenger services at a single station. ^{[13] : 394}

The Old Colony acquired the B&P in 1888, consolidating all the railways in southeastern Massachusetts under a single owner. The company expanded Mansfield–New Bedford service and routed some Fall River and New Bedford trains via Stoughton at times. ^{[16] : 31} The New York, New Haven and Hartford Railroad (New Haven) leased the Old Colony in 1893. ^{[13] : 379} By 1898, daily South Coast service via Mansfield included six Taunton–Boston round trips and one New Bedford–Boston round trip plus nine New Bedford–Mansfield round trips that connected with Boston trains at Mansfield. Service via Randolph included one Taunton–Boston round trip and four Newport–Fall River–Boston round trips. There were three Fall River–Boston round trips via Middleborough. ^{[16] : 34}

The opening of South Station in 1898 allowed increases in through service; by 1906; eleven of the fourteen daily New Bedford–Mansfield round trips ran to and from Boston. ^{[16] : 34} Service timed for Boston commuting had been available from Taunton and New Bedford via Mansfield since around 1885. ^{[16] : 31} Fall River never had a strong commuter market to Boston; commuter service via Middleborough was available for several years starting in 1915. ^{[16] : 95  [17] : 30} Commuter service via Randolph never ran further south than North Easton. ^{[16] : 95}

Decline

Cutbacks to service began during World War I and continued thereafter. Service between Mansfield and New Bedford was reduced sharply to five daily round trips, and Fall River service via Middleborough dwindled. ^{[16] : 34  [13] : 403} The New Haven resumed running South Coast trains via Stoughton during and after the war. ^{[16] : 34} Use of the Randolph route ended around 1924. ^{[13] : 394} By 1927, all service to New Bedford and Fall River ran via Stoughton, save for a single Fall River round trip that ran via Middleborough until 1931. ^{[16] : 34, 96} Service on the southern part of the Dighton and Somerset ended in 1932, with Fall River service routed via Myricks thereafter. ^{[13] : 395}

South Coast service was rerouted via Mansfield in 1937 during the early stages of the 88 stations case, which also brought the end of service south of Fall River in 1938. ^{[16] : 34} Fall River service was reduced to Taunton shuttles during World War II. New Bedford service was reduced to three round trips in March 1949, and the Fall River shuttles were discontinued that September. Most New Bedford service was routed via Stoughton in 1950; both routes were used for several years. ^{[16] : 35} Fall River shuttles resumed in June 1952. ^{[18] [16] : 35}

All service was routed via Stoughton in 1955 when a grade separation project at Mansfield cut the branch line. By that time there were three New Bedford–Boston round trips – one with a Fall River shuttle – and one Fall River–Boston trip. ^{[16] : 36} That remaining service ended on September 5, 1958, as the New Haven cut its unprofitable Old Colony Division; the remaining passenger service on the division ended the next year. ^{[16] : 36, 96} Freight service to the South Coast continued, though the remainder of the Dighton and Somerset was abandoned in the 1960s and 1970s. ^[7] The New Haven merged in late 1968 into Penn Central, which merged into Conrail in 1976. Passenger service continued on the ex-B&P, including the Stoughton Branch, eventually becoming the Providence/Stoughton Line. ^{[13] : 19}

South Coast Rail planning

Restoration planning (1980s–2003)

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) was formed in 1964 to subsidize suburban rail service and build rapid transit extensions. ^[16] The MBTA purchased the Old Colony mainline between Boston and Braintree in 1965 for the construction of the Braintree Branch of the Red Line. ^[19] Contraction of the New Haven's Boston commuter service largely ended after 1967; expansion of service frequency and area began in the late 1970s. ^[16] In 1970, following revolts against freeways in the urban core, Massachusetts governor Francis Sargent placed a moratorium on new highway construction inside the Route 128 beltway. The resulting cancellation of the Southwest Expressway by the Boston Transportation Planning Review meant the already-overcrowded Southeast Expressway would continue to be the only highway into Boston from the south. ^{[20] : 36  [16] : 16} The MBTA purchased many of the Penn Central suburban lines in January 1973. These included the ex-B&P lines, the disused line from Stoughton to Whittenton Junction via Raynham, and part of the Middleborough Main Line. ^{[21] [22] [23]}

In the 1980s, the restoration of the lines to New Bedford and Fall River was proposed. Since the routes via Mansfield and Randolph and the Middleborough–Myricks segment of the Middleborough route were abandoned and built over, three possible routes to the South Coast were placed under consideration: the Stoughton route, a route following the Northeast Corridor to near Attleboro and then branching onto the Attleboro Secondary, and a route following the Middleborough Main Line to Middleborough then the Middleboro Secondary westwards. All three routes used the same lines from Taunton south to Fall River and New Bedford. By 1988, the MBTA was tentatively planning to extend service to Taunton via Stoughton. ^[24] The first major study, completed in January 1990, concluded that the Stoughton Branch was the most viable route. The study was criticized for not considering other alternatives, including express buses. ^{[25] : 1–5} A May 1991 bond bill included $3 million (equivalent to $6 million in 2023) for planning the extension. ^{[26] [27]}

In 1991, the state agreed to build a set of transit projects as part of the settlement of a lawsuit by the Conservation Law Foundation (CLF) over auto emissions from the Central Artery/Tunnel Project (Big Dig). Among these projects was the "Old Colony Commuter Rail Line Extension". ^[28] This included the Middleborough/Lakeville Line and Plymouth/Kingston Line, which opened in 1997, plus the 2007-opened Greenbush Line. ^[29] Planning for service to the South Coast continued. The March 1995 Expanded Feasibility Study analyzed routes absent from the 1990 report. The 1965–1980 construction of the Braintree Branch had only left space for a single track (intended for freight use) on the Old Colony mainline through parts of Dorchester and Quincy. ^{[20] : 36  [30] : i, 1, 4} This limited the capacity required for reaching the South Coast via Middleborough: service could be operated to one of Fall River and New Bedford, but not both. ^{[25] : ii} The report concluded that both the Stoughton and Attleboro routes would be viable and that a partial Stoughton Branch extension to North Easton would be most cost-effective. ^{[25] : ii}

Map of the Attleboro Bypass proposal

In September 1995, the MBTA filed plans with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for service via the Attleboro route. It was to include a 3-mile (4.8 km) 'Attleboro Bypass' on new right-of-way connecting the Northeast Corridor to the Attleboro Secondary northeast of downtown Attleboro. The project was to be completed in 2000 at a cost of $156 million (equivalent to $285 million in 2023). ^[31] In August 1996, Governor Bill Weld signed a bill giving $136 million (equivalent to $244 million in 2023) to commuter rail expansion, while the state legislature directed the MBTA to further study alternatives. ^[32] The 1997 Expanded Alternatives Analysis showed vastly increased costs — $407 million (equivalent to $718 million in 2023) via Attleboro, $410 million ($723 million) via Stoughton, or $436 million ($769 million) via Middleborough. Service via Middleborough would also require double-tracking on the Old Colony mainline at additional cost. The report recommended the Stoughton route as the most cost-effective due to its high ridership. ^{[26] [33]}

A groundbreaking ceremony was held in October 1998 after a contract for bridge work in Fall River and New Bedford was awarded that month. ^{[26] [34]} Based on an analysis of South Station operations, the July 1999 Draft Environmental Impact Report concluded that the Stoughton route was the only viable route. It projected 4,325 daily riders with 20 trains per day to each of Fall River and New Bedford. ^{[35] [36]} In January 2000, following then-governor Paul Cellucci's reapproval, the state reported that construction would begin in late 2002 and last until 2004. ^[26] The Draft Environmental Statement certificate was received in November 2000; the EPA confirmed that Stoughton was the only practical route but required a Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS). ^[32]

The FEIS was released in April 2002 and approved in August. The state's approval required the Southeastern Regional Planning and Economic Development District (SRPEDD) to establish a Growth Task Force. In July 2002, the MBTA revised the project cost to $600 million (equivalent to $972 million in 2023) with an opening date of 2007. ^{[26] [32]} Due to the increasing costs, the MBTA suspended the Growth Task Force and stopped project planning in November 2002; the environmental approval process was stopped in May 2003. ^[32]

Restoration planning (2005–2014)

The SRPEDD restarted the Growth Task Force in October 2004 even though the MBTA was still conducting its review of the project. ^[32] In March 2005, Governor Mitt Romney allowed the project to proceed and allocated $670 million (equivalent to $1 billion in 2023) for the project, which was then projected to open between 2011 and 2013. The Chief of Commonwealth Development stated in June 2005 that the cost could be as high as $1 billion (equivalent to $1.5 billion in 2023). ^[26] In April 2007, the Massachusetts Executive Office of Transportation released South Coast Rail: A Plan For Action, which restarted the planning process from the beginning. The plan estimated project costs at $1.435 billion (equivalent to $2 billion in 2023), including $163 million ($231 million) for procuring additional rolling stock and $31.4 million ($44 million) for expanding South Station, with opening in December 2016. ^[37]

The Phase 1 Alternatives Analysis Report, released in April 2008, narrowed 65 options (including unlikely modes like heavy rail metro and monorail) to five plausible alternatives: the Attleboro, Stoughton, and Middleboro routes, a mixture of Attleboro and Middleboro service, and express bus service. ^[38] The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) released 18 potential station sites for the project in September 2008. ^{[39] [40]} In May 2008, MassDOT issued a formal request to the US Army Corps of Engineers to allow discharge of fill materials into wetlands — effectively starting the formal environmental review process. ^[41] A federal Notice of Intent and state Environmental Notification Form were filed in November 2008. ^[32]

On October 2, 2008, the state government announced an agreement with CSX Transportation for the purchase and upgrade of several of CSX's freight lines in the state. CSX agreed to sell its lines from Taunton to Fall River and New Bedford for use by the South Coast Rail project, as well as the Grand Junction Branch, the Framingham-to-Worcester section of the Worcester Line, and the South Boston Running Track. Other parts of the agreement included plans for double-stack freights west of Worcester and the abandonment of Beacon Park Yard. ^[42] The agreement was signed on September 23, 2009. ^[43] On June 11, 2010, the state and CSX completed the first phase of the agreement, including the transfer of the South Coast Rail lines to MassDOT. ^[44]

The alternatives considered in 2009:

  Attleboro route

  Stoughton and Whittenton routes

  Middleborough route

  Route common to all rail alternatives

  Rapid bus

In a May 2009 interview, Commonwealth Treasurer Tim Cahill stated that "it is virtually going to be impossible" for the state to complete the project in 2016 as planned due to the recession, adding that federal funding was unlikely to be obtained because "[t]he federal government doesn't trust us anymore because of the Big Dig." ^[45] The state released the South Coast Rail Economic Development and Land Use Corridor Plan, which called for substantial mixed-use transit-oriented development around stations, in June 2009. ^[46] The Phase 2 Alternatives Analysis Report, which indicated electric or diesel service through Stoughton as the best choice, was released in September 2009. ^[47]

The Army Corps of Engineers released the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) in March 2011. ^[48] Concurring with previous documents it recommended that South Coast Rail be routed through Stoughton, citing in particular the need to add a billion-dollar fourth track from Back Bay to Forest Hills to accommodate service through Attleboro. ^{[48] : 24  [b]} The variation using the Whittenton Branch between Raynham and Taunton was not recommended due to noise and grade crossing impacts in downtown Taunton as well as longer running times. ^[49] The DEIS evaluated both diesel and electric service. Electric service was projected to have faster travel times (73–76 minutes versus 83–85) due to the higher acceleration and top speed of electric trains, with higher ridership (9,580 daily riders versus 8,140) and improved air quality. However, it was projected to cost $1.88 billion versus $1.48 billion for diesel service (equivalent to $2.51 billion versus $1.98 billion in 2023), with the increased cost from the overhead wire infrastructure as well as the need to buy electric locomotives and new coaches capable of 100 mph (160 km/h) operation. ^{[48] : 41  [c]}

Certification from state environmental officials was received in June 2011. In the certificate, Secretary Rick Sullivan directed MassDOT to focus on the electric alternative because it would have improved air quality. ^{[51] [49]} A state transportation funding bill passed in July 2013 mentioned South Coast Rail as deserving funding but did not specifically allocate money to the project. ^{[52] [53]} In September 2013, the Army Corps of Engineers released the Final Environmental Impact Statement. It made small changes to several station sites and selected locations for layover yards. The projected cost for electric service was revised slightly downward to $1.817 billion (equivalent to $2.72 billion in 2023). ^[41] A spending bill passed in April 2014 allocated $2.3 billion (equivalent to $2.9 billion in 2023) for South Coast Rail. ^[54] On June 18, 2014, MassDOT awarded a one-year, $12 million contract (equivalent to $15 million in 2023) – with up to $210 million (equivalent to $266 million in 2023) possible over 10 years – to a joint venture between Vanasse Hangen Brustlin, Inc. and HNTB for "program management, early design development, and environmental permitting". ^[55]

Project changes (2016–2021)

In June 2016, the MBTA announced that the project cost had been revised to $3.42 billion (equivalent to $4 billion in 2023), with completion not expected until 2030. The substantial delay and increase in cost caused officials to consider alternate plans, including an interim service to New Bedford via Middleborough. Some local and regional officials objected to that plan, as it would reduce service to Middleborough/Lakeville station and potentially interfere with Plymouth/Kingston Line and Greenbush Line service. ^{[56] [57]} Design for the Stoughton route was 15% complete by that time. ^[58] In March 2017, the state announced a revised plan intended to provide service sooner than 2030. The $1.1 billion Phase 1 (equivalent to $1.3 billion in 2023) would follow the Middleborough route and open in 2024; Phase 2 would follow the original route through Stoughton (including electrification) and open in 2029. ^[59]

By June 2017, the planned completion dates were changed to Phase 1 in 2022 and Phase 2 in 2030, with stations at Freetown and Battleship Cove in Phase 1 rather than Phase 2 as proposed in March. ^[60] The two-phase approach attracted criticism from several directions, including some of those who had previously advocated for the project as well as previous opponents. ^[5] Middleborough and Lakeville officials were critical of the possibility of abandoning the existing Middleborough/Lakeville station, which had attracted transit-oriented development, or requiring its riders to take a shuttle train, as well as possible traffic issues from a downtown Middleborough station. The New Bedford mayor and transit advocates were critical of the longer travel times of the Middleborough routing, and the Taunton mayor was critical of Phase 1 lacking the downtown Taunton station of the previous plan. ^{[5] [61]} Stoughton, Easton, and Raynham officials continued their previous opposition to South Coast Rail. ^[5]

The Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Report (DSEIR) was released in January 2018. It determined that a new station would be built at Middleborough to replace Middleborough/Lakeville, and that East Taunton station would be built instead of Taunton station, as serving Middleborough/Lakeville or Taunton would require time-consuming reverse moves. Battleship Cove station was moved back to Phase 2. ^{[1] : 19, 29} The DSEIR predicted a net increase of 3,000 daily boardings (1,500 round trips), with 2,280 daily boardings at the six new stations versus 760 at the existing Middleborough/Lakeville station. ^{[1] : 66} The 1,610 projected daily boardings at the non-Middleborough stations were 41% of the 3,960 projected for Phase 2, leading to criticisms from public officials about the cost effectiveness of the project. ^{[62] [63] [64]} The Final Supplemental Environmental Impact Report was released in April 2018. ^[6]

Design work and permitting were largely complete by March 2019. ^[65] In April 2019, the state announced that a funding plan and Army Corps of Engineers permits for the Phase 1 plan were in place and that the project would proceed "full speed ahead," with a target of late 2023 for revenue service. ^[66] Projected cost was $1.047 billion (equivalent to $1.23 billion in 2023). ^[3] A transportation bond bill that included $825 million (equivalent to $957 million in 2023) for Phase 1 was filed in July 2019 and passed in January 2021. ^{[67] [68]}

Phase 1 construction

Early work

Bridge replacement in New Bedford in 2016

Several elements of the project were constructed prior to the main construction phases. In February 2010, MassDOT received a $20 million TIGER grant (equivalent to $27 million in 2023) to replace three bridges in New Bedford built around 1907, for immediate freight use and future South Coast Rail service. ^[69] The grant represented part of the $71.4 million (equivalent to $99 million in 2023) the state had applied for to fund the Fast Track New Bedford project, which would have also included a fourth bridge, construction of New Bedford station with an adjacent bus terminal, and pedestrian and bicycle access improvements. ^[70] The MBTA awarded the contract in August 2010; the replacement bridges opened for Massachusetts Coastal Railroad freight use in November 2011. ^[71]

In 2013 and 2014, MassDOT replaced 42,000 ties along 33 miles (53 km) of the Fall River and New Bedford branches. ^[72] A $18.4 million, two-year contract (equivalent to $23 million in 2023) was issued on October 22, 2014 for reconstruction of six grade crossings in Taunton, Freetown, and New Bedford. ^[73] On November 25, 2014, a $42 million contract (equivalent to $53 million in 2023) was awarded for the replacement of three bridges (President Avenue, Brownell Avenue, and Golf Club Road) in Fall River plus the Wamsutta Street bridge in New Bedford. The bridges were completed in early 2017. ^[74]

Contracts

Phase 1 was divided into eight major construction contracts. ^[75] Land acquisition and three "early action" contracts began while design proceeded for other work. Contract No. 1 for 57 turnouts was awarded to Progress Rail on December 14, 2018. ^[76] Completion of the $9.8 million contract (equivalent to $12 million in 2023) was scheduled for February 2021. ^[75] Contract No. 2 included the reconstruction of 46 culverts, cleaning 16 additional culverts and removal of one more, reconstruction of one grade crossing, and construction of six wetland impact mitigation areas. ^[77] The $18.3 million contract (equivalent to $22 million in 2023) was awarded to J.F. White on March 6, 2019, with completion expected in June 2020. ^{[76] [75] [78]}

Contract No. 3 included replacement of four railroad bridges and one culvert, plus 2.5 miles (4.0 km) of track replacement. ^[79] The $26.1 million contract (equivalent to $31 million in 2023) was awarded to J.F. White, with completion planned for November 2020. ^[78] While MassDOT managed the early action contracts, oversight of the program was transferred to the MBTA in preparation for the start of Phase 1 construction in 2019. ^[80] That April, the MBTA awarded a $62 million contract (equivalent to $73 million in 2023) to AECOM for program and construction management. ^{[76] [81]} A groundbreaking ceremony was held on July 2, 2019. ^[80]

On May 11, 2020, the MBTA awarded contract No. 7 to Skanska DW White JV for the Fall River Secondary portion of Phase 1. The $159 million contract (equivalent to $184 million in 2023) included construction of two stations, 12.1 miles (19.5 km) of track work, rehabilitation of ten grade crossings and eight bridges, and construction of Weaver's Cove Layover. Construction was estimated to take 30 months. ^{[82] [83]} Contract No. 6 included 24.1 miles (38.8 km) of track work on the Middleboro Secondary and New Bedford Secondary, four stations, the Wamsutta Layover, seven bridges, and associated infrastructure. It also included signal and communication systems for the whole project area. ^[78] The $403.5 million contract (equivalent to $468 million in 2023) was awarded to SCR Constructors (a joint venture of The Middlesex Corporation and Tutor Perini) on August 24, 2020; construction began later in 2020 and was estimated to take 37 months. ^[84]

Contract No. 10 was for construction of a footbridge over Route 18 at New Bedford station. ^[78] The $21.3 million contract (equivalent to $22 million in 2023) was awarded to Barletta Heavy Division in December 2022. ^[85] Contract No. 12 was for traffic mitigation during construction, including intersection and traffic signal modifications. The $8.5 million contract (equivalent to $9 million in 2023) was awarded to Newport Construction in early 2022. ^{[78] [86]} Replacement of a bridge carrying Route 24 over the New Bedford Secondary in East Taunton was originally planned to be Contract No. 5. ^[78] It was combined with a larger MassDOT bridge replacement project on Route 24, which also included replacement of the Route 24 bridge over the Middleborough Secondary. The contract was awarded to Cardi Corporation in January 2021, with work expected to last until 2027. ^{[87] [88]}

Construction and opening

By May 2021, Fall River Secondary work was 20% complete, while Middleborough Secondary/New Bedford Main Line work was 5% complete. ^[89] Progress was at 35% and 18% by November 2021. ^[90] In 2022, granite blocks from culverts and bridge abutments replaced during the project were dumped into Nantucket Sound off Yarmouth and Harwich to create artificial reefs. ^[91] Overall project completion reached the halfway point in mid-2022. By August 2022, Fall River Secondary work was 81% complete, while Middleborough Secondary/New Bedford Main Line work was 53% complete. ^[92] In the November 2022 election, both Fall River and New Bedford voted to join the MBTA funding district, a prerequisite for service. ^[93]

Substantial completion of the Fall River Secondary work was announced with a ribbon-cutting ceremony in December 2022; at that point, revenue service was still planned for late 2023. ^[94] In September 2023, the MBTA indicated that revenue service would not begin until mid-2024. New Bedford Secondary work was 85% complete by that time. ^[95] In April 2024, the MBTA acknowledged that a midyear opening was unlikely, but did not provide a new schedule. The delay was attributed to systems testing and the construction of East Taunton station both taking longer than expected. ^{[96] [97]} Test trains began operating on June 17, 2024. ^[98] That month, the MBTA announced that the planned opening had been delayed again to May 2025. ^{[99] [100]}

In July 2024, the MBTA indicated that weekend service would operate on the lines. ^[101] Automatic train control testing on the South Coast Rail lines was completed in July 2024. ^[102] Dispatching for the lines shifted from Massachusetts Coastal Railroad to Keolis (the MBTA Commuter Rail operator) in August 2024. ^[103] Operations and maintenance shifted to Keolis on January 6, 2025, following the December 2024 completion of positive train control testing. ^[102] This allowed Keolis to begin crew qualification and later to run simulated service. ^[104]

On February 7, 2025, the MBTA announced that Phase 1 service would begin on March 24 pending final approval by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA). ^[102] MassDOT formally transferred ownership of the lines to the MBTA in late February. ^[105] The FRA did not give final regulatory approval until March 21, 2025. ^{[106] [107]} Service began on March 24, 2025, as the Fall River/New Bedford Line. ^[108] The Southeastern Regional Transit Authority did not modify its bus routes for the new stations, instead piloting a microtransit service. ^[109] The months after the extension saw several service quality issues. Most were due to crew shortages and other temporary problems, though the MBTA also cited difficulty coordinating trains on the mostly-single-track line as a cause of performance issues. ^[110]

• 
  Culvert installation in New Bedford in October 2019
• 
  Middleborough station under construction in December 2021
• 
  Ties being set for a new track in Berkley in 2022
• 
  Dignitaries at the ribbon-cutting ceremony at Freetown station in December 2022
• 
  East Taunton station under construction in 2023

Phase 2 plans

Abandoned railbed along the Phase 2 route in Raynham

The portion of the route between Stoughton and Taunton, proposed for construction in Phase 2, has proved the most controversial part of the project. While the cities of Taunton, Fall River, and New Bedford pushed for the project, the towns of Raynham and Easton objected to the Stoughton route beginning in the 1990s, citing concerns about pollution, traffic, and grade crossing safety. The two towns began legal action opposing the project in 1997; Stoughton joined in 2001. Their legal fight focused on potential impacts to the Hockomock Swamp. ^[111] In his 2002 approval of the Final Environmental Impact Report, Secretary of Environmental Affairs Robert Durand mandated the construction of a trestle through the swamp to reduce impacts. ^[112] Later planning included the trestle plan. ^{[12] : 4}

In 2007, voters in Raynham elected to seek mitigation for impacts rather than continue litigation. Easton voters made the same choice in 2008. ^{[113] [114]} In 2009, Stoughton officials indicated that they would seek for a tunnel to be built through the downtown area — as was done in Hingham on the Greenbush Line  — with Stoughton station moved underground. ^{[115] [116]} A town committee found that the state was unlikely to fund such a plan. ^[113] In 2014, Raynham officials expressed interest in lowering tracks under Route 138 to prevent traffic impacts. ^[117] When plans for the phased approach were announced in 2017, Stoughton, Easton, and Raynham officials continued their previous opposition to the project. ^{[5] [118]}

Whether Phase 2 of the project will ever be built is unclear. ^{[119] [120]} By mid-2024, MassDOT no longer indicated that it would be built by 2030. ^[119] No funding for Phase 2 was included in the MBTA's FY 2026–2030 capital investment plan in 2025. ^{[121] [122] [123]}

Notes

1. A similar trestle was evaluated for the Pine Swamp in Raynham. It was not deemed necessary because the Pine Swamp did not have the "extraordinary wildlife habitat value" of Hockomock Swamp and did not have significant wildlife habitat on both sides of the right-of-way. ^[12]
2. Service via Stoughton would be an extension of existing Stoughton Branch service, whereas service via Attleboro would be a new service and thus add additional trains using the Northeast Corridor. ^{[48] : 12}
3. Existing coaches were limited to 80 mph (130 km/h) even on sections of the Northeast Corridor rated for 150 mph (240 km/h). ^[50]

References

1. VHB/HNTB (January 31, 2018). "Chapter 2 – Alternatives Analysis". South Coast Rail Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Report. Massachusetts Department of Transportation.
2. "South Coast Rail Phase 1". Massachusetts Department of Transportation.
3. "South Coast Coast Spring 2019 Fact Sheet" (PDF). Massachusetts Department of Transportation. Spring 2019. p. 1.
4. "South Coast Rail Full Build (Stoughton Electric)". Massachusetts Department of Transportation.
5. Laidler, John (June 16, 2017). "Sharp differences over latest plan for South Coast Rail". The Boston Globe . Archived from the original on September 28, 2018.
6. VHB/HNTB (April 2018). South Coast Rail Final Supplemental Environmental Impact Report. Massachusetts Department of Transportation.
7. Karr, Ronald Dale (2010). Lost Railroads of New England (Third ed.). Branch Line Press. pp. 177, 184. ISBN   9780942147117.
8. DeVillars, John P. (February 10, 1990). "Designation of the Hockomock Swamp Area of Critical Environmental Concern". Massachusetts Department of Environmental Affairs.
9. "Appendix 4.17–A Hockomock Swamp Stormwater Report". Final Environmental Impact Statement/ Final Environmental Impact Report on the South Coast Rail Project proposed by the Massachusetts Department of Transportation. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers New England District. August 2013.
10. Allen, Monica (November 20, 1999). "The swamp that stopped a train". The Standard-Times. Archived from the original on November 2, 2023.
11. "Appendix 3.2–C Hockomock Trestle Memorandum". Final Environmental Impact Statement/ Final Environmental Impact Report on the South Coast Rail Project proposed by the Massachusetts Department of Transportation. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers New England District. August 2013.
12. "Appendix 3.2–D Pine Swamp Trestle Memorandum". Final Environmental Impact Statement/ Final Environmental Impact Report on the South Coast Rail Project proposed by the Massachusetts Department of Transportation. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers New England District. August 2013.
13. Karr, Ronald Dale (2017). The Rail Lines of Southern New England (2 ed.). Branch Line Press. ISBN   9780942147124.
14. Report of the Board of Railroad Commissioners, the Tax Commissioner and the Bank Commissioner, sitting as a commission, relative to the assets and liabilities of the New York, New Haven & Hartford Railroad Company. Massachusetts Joint Commission on the New York, New Haven & Hartford Railroad Company. February 15, 1911. pp. 408–409.
15. "Fall River Railroad". The Brooklyn Daily Eagle. June 5, 1845. p. 2 – via Newspapers.com.
16. Humphrey, Thomas J.; Clark, Norton D. (1985). Boston's Commuter Rail: The First 150 Years. Boston Street Railway Association.
17. Humphrey, Thomas J.; Clark, Norton D. (1986). Boston's Commuter Rail: Second Section. Boston Street Railway Association. ISBN   9780938315025.
18. "New Haven Resumes Fall River Service". The Boston Globe. June 2, 1952. p. 5 – via Newspapers.com.
19. Carr, Robert (July 29, 1965). "MBTA Buys Old Colony Line For a South Shore Express". Boston Globe– via Newspapers.com.
20. Reidy, Bill (1996). "Old Colony Commuter Service: The New Haven's Problem Child: Part 3". Shoreliner. Vol. 27, no. 3. New Haven Railroad Historical and Technical Association. pp. 6–39. LCCN   78-16543.
21. Carr, Robert B. (January 25, 1973). "MBTA gets $19.5m to buy rail lines". The Boston Globe. p. 3 – via Newspapers.com.
22. "Certificate" (PDF). Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority. January 1973.
23. Conrail Trackage Rights Agreement (PDF). Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority. July 1, 1985. p. 2. Archived from the original (PDF) on March 17, 2025.
24. Howe, Peter J. (January 24, 1988). "MBTA plans for big increase in rail service". Boston Globe. p. B1 – via Newspapers.com.
25. Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (March 1995). "Expanded Feasibility Study: Draft Report" (PDF). New Bedford/Fall River Commuter Rail Project. Archived from the original (PDF) on July 28, 2014.
26. "A timeline of South Coast Rail developments". The Herald News . October 5, 2013. Archived from the original on June 11, 2015.
27. Nealon, Patricia (August 18, 1991). "MBTA prepares to extend rail south". The Boston Globe. pp. South 1, South 6 – via Newspapers.com.
28. United States Environmental Protection Agency (October 4, 1994). "Approval and Promulgation of Air Quality Implementation Plans; Massachusetts—Amendment to Massachusetts' SIP (for Ozone and for Carbon Monoxide) for Transit Systems Improvements and High Occupancy Vehicle Facilities in the Metropolitan Boston Air Pollution Control District)". Federal Register. 59 FR 50498.
29. Belcher, Jonathan. "Changes to Transit Service in the MBTA district" (PDF). Boston Street Railway Association.
30. Clarke, Bradley H. (1972). South Shore Quincy-Boston. Boston Street Railway Association. p. 22.
31. Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (September 1995). "Environmental Notification Form: Volume I" (PDF). New Bedford/Fall River Commuter Rail Project. Archived from the original (PDF) on December 13, 2014.
32. Southeastern Massachusetts Metropolitan Planning Organization and Southeastern Regional Planning and Economic Development District (2012). "Commuter Rail" (PDF). 2012 Regional Transportation Plan. Archived from the original (PDF) on November 12, 2011.
33. "Executive Summary". Expanded Alternatives Analysis Report. Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority. March 1997. pp. i–v.
34. • "T directors ok rail extension". The Boston Globe. October 16, 1998. p. B5 – via Newspapers.com.
    • Palmer, Thomas C. Jr. (November 2, 1998). "Angered by MBTA escalator breakdowns, a rider takes steps". The Boston Globe. p. 22 – via Newspapers.com.
    • Preer, Robert (December 6, 1998). "A rail to nowhere? Building starts on South Coast line". The Boston Globe. p. South 1 – via Newspapers.com.
35. Vanasse Hangen Brustlin, Inc. (April 1999). South Station Operations Analysis Report (PDF). Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority. Archived from the original (PDF) on October 19, 2013.
36. Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (July 1999). Draft Environmental Impact Report. Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority. Volume II, Volume III
37. Patrick, Deval; et al. (April 4, 2007). "South Coast Rail: A Plan For Action" (PDF). Massachusetts Executive Office of Transportation. Archived from the original (PDF) on July 19, 2011.
38. Vanasse Hangen Brustlin, Inc. (April 2008). "Analysis of South Coast Rail Alternatives: Phase 1 Report" (PDF). Massachusetts Executive Office of Transportation and Public Works. Archived from the original (PDF) on October 16, 2013.
39. "South Coast Rail Fact Sheet: October 2008" (PDF). South Coast Rail. October 2008. Archived from the original (PDF) on August 12, 2017.
40. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers New England District (October 10, 2008). "Appendix 3.1-C Station Siting Report: EOT's Final Recommendations". Final Environmental Impact Statement/Final Environmental Impact Report on the South Coast Rail Project proposed by the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (PDF). Vol. IV.
41. "Final Environmental Impact Statement/ Final Environmental Impact Report on the South Coast Rail Project proposed by the Massachusetts Department of Transportation". U.S. Army Corps of Engineers New England District. August 2013.
42. "Patrick Administration Announces Agreement to Purchase Rail Lines" (Press release). Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority. October 2, 2008.
43. "Patrick–Murray Administration Finalizes Agreement with CSX Transportation" (Press release). Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority. September 23, 2009.
44. "The Massachusetts Rail Program" (PDF). Massachusetts Department of Transportation. June 2010. p. 7. Archived from the original (PDF) on May 24, 2012.
45. Unger, Bob (May 17, 2009). "FROM THE EDITOR: A dose of reality from Cahill". South Coast Today . Archived from the original on June 6, 2011.
46. South Coast Rail Economic Development and Land Use Corridor Plan (PDF). Massachusetts Executive Office of Transportation and Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development. June 2009. Archived from the original (PDF) on December 7, 2013.
47. Vanasse Hangen Brustlin, Inc. (September 2009). "Analysis of South Coast Rail Alternatives: Phase 2 Report" (PDF). Massachusetts Executive Office of Transportation and Public Works. Archived from the original (PDF) on August 27, 2011.
48. "Executive Summary" (PDF). Draft Environmental Impact Statement/ Draft Environmental Impact Report on the South Coast Rail Project proposed by the Massachusetts Department of Transportation. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers New England District. February 2011. Archived from the original (PDF) on October 7, 2011.
49. Sullivan, Richard K. Jr. (June 29, 2011). "Certificate of the Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs on the Draft Environmental Impact Report/Statement" (PDF). Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs. p. 4. Archived from the original (PDF) on February 22, 2012.
50. "Commuter Rail Executive Summary" (PDF). Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority. 2010. Archived from the original (PDF) on October 27, 2012.
51. Legere, Christine (July 10, 2011). "Rail extension gets another OK". The Boston Globe. p. 3 – via Newspapers.com.
52. Laidler, John (August 1, 2013). "No guarantees for South Coast rail in transportation bill". Boston Globe. Archived from the original on February 3, 2014.
53. "An Act Relative To Transportation Finance". 2013 Acts. Massachusetts General Court. July 24, 2013.
54. "An Act Financing Improvements to the Commonwealth's Transportation System". 2014 Acts. Massachusetts General Court. April 18, 2014.
55. Jessen, Klark (June 18, 2014). "South Coast Rail Project Contract Approved". Massachusetts Department of Transportation. Archived from the original on June 19, 2014.
56. Dungca, Nicole (June 28, 2016). "South Coast rail could cost $1b more than estimated". Boston Globe. pp. A1, A5.
57. Lawrence, Mike (October 8, 2016). "Dukakis: 'Stick with Stoughton' for South Coast Rail route". The Enterprise. Archived from the original on January 12, 2017.
58. Metzger, Andy (June 27, 2016). "South Coast Rail Cost Estimates Soar, Officials Eye Alternative". WBUR. Archived from the original on July 1, 2016.
59. Dungca, Nicole (March 22, 2017). "State changes gears on Middleborough commuter rail plan". Boston Globe. Archived from the original on April 11, 2017.
60. "South Coast Rail Corridor Map" (PDF). South Coast Rail – Summer 2017 Fact Sheet. Massachusetts Department of Transportation. Summer 2017. p. 3. Archived from the original (PDF) on September 5, 2017.
61. Berke, Ben. "In bid for service sooner, South Coast Rail takes the long way to Boston". WBUR. Archived from the original on March 30, 2022.
62. "Capital Programming Committee South Coast Rail Phase 1 Service". Massachusetts Department of Transportation. February 6, 2018. pp. 12–14.
63. Seltz, Johanna (March 11, 2018). "Selectmen vote against rail plan". The Boston Globe. p. Z3 – via Newspapers.com.
64. Nesi, Ted (August 23, 2018). "Could the latest South Coast Rail plan be a billion-dollar bust?". WPRI. Archived from the original on December 23, 2021.
65. Sudborough, Susannah (March 2, 2019). "Middleboro rail route is close to 100 percent design". South Coast Today. Archived from the original on March 3, 2019.
66. Lisinski, Chris (April 22, 2019). "Permit, funding hurdles cleared for South Coast Rail". The Boston Globe. State House News Service. Archived from the original on January 25, 2025.
67. "Baker-Polito Administration Files $18 Billion Transportation Bond Bill" (Press release). Office of Governor Charlie Baker and Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. Archived from the original on July 26, 2019.
68. "Chapter 383: An Act Authorizing And Accelerating Transportation Investment". 2020 Acts. Massachusetts General Court. January 15, 2021.
69. "Governor Patrick, Congressional Delegation Announce $20 Million Federal Stimulus Transportation Grant for South Coast Rail Project" (PDF) (Press release). Commonwealth of Massachusetts Executive Department. February 17, 2010. Archived from the original (PDF) on October 27, 2013.
70. "Fast Track New Bedford: EOT TIGER Discretionary Grant Application" (PDF). Massachusetts Executive Office of Transportation. September 15, 2009. Archived from the original (PDF) on October 29, 2013.
71. "GRANTS – AWARD SUMMARY". Recovery.gov. Archived from the original on October 29, 2013.
72. "Fall River, New Bedford Rail Line Improvements" (Press release). Massachusetts Department of Transportation. November 14, 2013. Archived from the original on November 22, 2013.
73. "$18.4 million approved for South Coast Rail grade crossings". The Patriot Ledger . October 27, 2014. Archived from the original on August 1, 2015.
74. Urbon, Steve (February 23, 2017). "Railroad bridge over Route 18 quietly goes into service". South Coast Today. Archived from the original on November 27, 2019. Retrieved November 20, 2019.
75. Tabakin, Jennifer (October 24, 2019). "South Coast Rail Program Update" (PDF). MassDOT Capital Programs Committee.
76. "South Coast Rail – Update: Joint Board Meeting" (PDF). Massachusetts Department of Transportation. April 22, 2019.
77. "MassDOT R & T Construction Contract: 609258 SCR Early Action Culverts" (PDF). Massachusetts Department of Transportation. February 11, 2019.
78. Tabakin, Jennifer (May 11, 2020). "South Coast Rail Phase 1 Update" (PDF). Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority.
79. "MassDOT Highway Construction Contract: 106704 SCR Early Action 4 Bridge" (PDF). Massachusetts Department of Transportation. April 17, 2019.
80. "Baker-Polito Administration Celebrates South Coast Rail Groundbreaking" (Press release). Office of Governor Charlie Baker and Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. July 2, 2019. Archived from the original on July 4, 2019.
81. "MBTA Contract No. K78PS03 South Coast Commuter Rail Program, Phase I". Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority. April 22, 2019.
82. "South Coast Rail Main Line Construction Contract Approved" (Press release). Massachusetts Department of Transportation. May 11, 2020. Archived from the original on May 16, 2020. Retrieved May 12, 2020.
83. Tabakin, Jennifer (May 11, 2020). "MBTA Construction Contract No. K78CN03: Fall River Secondary Commuter Rail Expansion Project" (PDF). Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority.
84. "FMCB Approves $403.5 Million Contract for South Coast Rail Main Line Construction" (Press release). Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority. August 24, 2020.
85. Tabakin, Jennifer (December 15, 2022). "K78CN06 – SCR Phase 1: Rt 18 Pedestrian Bridge, New Bedford" (PDF). Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority.
86. "Awarded Contract: K78CN05". Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority. April 13, 2022. Archived from the original on December 4, 2022.
87. "MassDOT Highway Construction Contract: 112402". Massachusetts Department of Transportation. January 11, 2021.
88. "MassDOT Advisory: Taunton, Route 24 and Route 140 Interchange Bridge Replacements and Related Work" (Press release). Massachusetts Department of Transportation. November 2, 2022.
89. Tabakin, Jennifer (May 24, 2021). "South Coast Rail Phase 1 Update" (PDF). Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority.
90. "South Coast Rail Fall Update" (Press release). Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority. November 19, 2021.
91. "South Coast Rail Fall 2022 Fact Sheet" (PDF). Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority. November 2022.
92. "South Coast Rail Fall River Construction Update" (PDF). Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority. October 13, 2022.
93. Mulligan, Frank. "New Bedford voters overwhelmingly endorse South Coast Rail". South Coast Today. Archived from the original on November 11, 2022.
94. "Baker-Polito Administration Celebrates Substantial Completion of $159 Million Contract for South Coast Rail Main Line Construction" (Press release). Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority. December 8, 2022.
95. Medeiros, Dan (September 29, 2023). "South Coast Rail passenger service is being delayed. Here's why, explained in 60 seconds". The Herald News. Archived from the original on September 30, 2023.
96. Berke, Ben (April 11, 2024). "South Coast Rail delayed again, as MBTA parts ways with project's top manager". The Public's Radio . Archived from the original on April 20, 2024.
97. Medeiros, Dan (April 11, 2024). "Summer start to South Coast Rail looks 'unlikely'—but there's one bright spot for riders". The Herald News. Archived from the original on April 11, 2024.
98. "Safety First on South Coast Rail" (PDF). Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority. June 2024.
99. Medeiros, Dan (June 13, 2024). "'MBTA owes this region an apology': South Coast Rail start is delayed another year". The Herald News. Archived from the original on June 14, 2024.
100. "MBTA General Manager Provides Update on Progress of South Coast Rail Project, Milestone Reached with New Testing Phase" (Press release). Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority. June 14, 2024.
101. Medeiros, Dan (July 2, 2024). "MBTA: South Coast Rail will run on weekends. Here's why it's important and what it'll cost". The Herald News. Archived from the original on July 2, 2024.
102. "MBTA Announces South Coast Rail Service Begins March 24, 2025" (Press release). Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority. February 7, 2025.
103. "MBTA Reaches Significant Milestone for South Coast Rail: Keolis Has Assumed Dispatcher Duties" (Press release). Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority. August 2, 2024.
104. "South Coast Rail Public Meeting with MBTA General Manager Phil Eng" (PDF). Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority. February 10, 2025. p. 10.
105. "Massachusetts Department of Transportation Transfer of South Coast Rail Lines to Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority". Massachusetts Department of Transportation. February 26, 2025.
106. Medeiros, Dan (March 19, 2025). "South Coast Rail tickets on sale soon. But with a week to go, could MBTA miss start date?". The Herald News. Archived from the original on March 19, 2025.
107. "MBTA gets federal approval to start South Coast Rail service". Trains News Wire. March 22, 2025. Retrieved March 24, 2025.
108. "Healey-Driscoll Administration, MassDOT, MBTA Celebrate Launch of South Coast Rail" (Press release). Office of Governor Maura Healey and Lt. Governor Kim Driscoll. March 24, 2025.
109. Medeiros, Dan (March 6, 2025). "Can you take a bus to South Coast Rail stations? SRTA will unveil an 'Uber-like' service". The Herald News. Archived from the original on March 8, 2025.
110. "Fall River / New Bedford Line Service Update" (PDF). Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority. June 5, 2025. p. 5.
111. • Preer, Robert (December 14, 1997). "Potential rail route draws fire". The Boston Globe. pp. South 1, South 9 – via Newspapers.com.
     • McLaughlin, Jeff (February 15, 1998). "Easton, Raynham rail against train plan". The Boston Globe. pp. South 1, South 5 – via Newspapers.com.
     • Preer, Robert (March 7, 2002). "Critics of commuter-rail extension target its finance plan". The Boston Globe. pp. South 1, South 5 – via Newspapers.com.
112. Daniel, Mac (August 31, 2002). "New Bedford, Fall River rail line given big boost". The Boston Globe. pp. B1, B5 – via Newspapers.com.
113. Hall, Candace (April 26, 2011). "Easton and Stoughton Go Different Directions with South Coast Rail". Easton Patch. Archived from the original on April 7, 2025.
114. Maguire, Patrick (March 29, 2011). "Easton Officials Look For Ways to Ease Impacts of South Coast Rail". Easton Patch. Archived from the original on April 7, 2025.
115. Hall, Candace (August 10, 2009). "Train tunnel could burrow into Stoughton". The Enterprise. Archived from the original on November 13, 2019.
116. Hall, Candace (February 16, 2009). "Stoughton seeks downtown rail tunnel". The Patriot Ledger. Archived from the original on April 6, 2025.
117. Shepard, Cody (December 7, 2014). "South Coast Rail Project Moving Along". The Enterprise. Archived from the original on October 18, 2023.
118. Whitehead, Donna (February 28, 2018). "Easton opposes bringing South Coast Rail through town". MetroWest Daily News. Archived from the original on November 13, 2019.
119. Medeiros, Dan (July 10, 2024). "Even when it opens, South Coast Rail may never be completely 'finished.' Here's why". The Herald News. Archived from the original on February 28, 2025.
120. Barnes, Jennette (March 21, 2025). "66 years after trains left, South Coast is ready for commuter rail". New Hampshire Public Radio. Archived from the original on March 23, 2025.
121. "Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority FY26-30 Capital Investment Plan (CIP): Proposed – March 2025" (PDF). Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority. March 2025. pp. 22, 142.
122. MilNeil, Christian (April 7, 2025). "New MBTA Capital Budget Leaves Riders With a Lot To Be Desired". Streetsblog Massachusetts. Archived from the original on April 9, 2025.
123. Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority FY26-30 Capital Investment Plan (CIP): Final – May 2025 (PDF). Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority. May 2025. p. 133.

External links

Template:Attached KML/South Coast Rail

KML is from Wikidata

Media related to South Coast Rail at Wikimedia Commons

• Official website