MassDOT’s draft five-year Capital Investment Plan (CIP) for highway, aeronautics, rail and transit investments has been released.

This Capital Investment Plan invests roughly equally on improving the condition of roads and bridges as on rail and rapid transit according to MassDOT, with a heavy emphasis on gradually returning all transportation assets to a State of Good Repair. (This is a good thing.)

Of particular concern (from our perspective) is the lack of capital funding to further support expanded rail service between Springfield and New Haven when the Hartford Line begins service in early 2018.

Unfunded elements include additional new platforms in Springfield (only one is planned at this time), double-tracking of the remaining single track line south of Springfield, and storage tracks for Hartford Line trains in Springfield.

 

 

MassDOT officials are touring the state seeking input on the plan from the public.
[Public Meeting Schedule]

MassDOT is also actively seeking written comments regarding this plan from the public.

Public comments may be submitted via email: masscip@state.ma.us

Note that comments must be submitted by May 13, 2016 at 5 p.m.