This page provides an overview of the rail infrastructure projects currently underway in the Pioneer Valley region of western Massachusetts.
Contents
Connecticut River Main Line (a.k.a. the Knowledge Corridor)
Conn River Line Bridge Work | MP 3.6 & MP 7.97
Knowledge Corridor Positive Train Control project
East–West Rail project
Worcester–Springfield Track Work Project
Springfield
Amtrak Interlocking Renewal Project
Riverfront Park Access Project
Track Reconfiguration Design Project
Freight projects
New England Central Railroad Freight Corridor Upgrade
Connecticut – Projects of note
Enfield | New Hartford Line station
Windsor Locks | New Hartford Line station
Hartford Line | New coaches and cab cars
Hartford Line | Double Track (Phase 3B)
Hartford Line | Connecticut River Bridge Replacement
Vermont | NECR projects
Planned 2023 NECR corridor projects (route of the Vermonter)
Please keep in mind that this is not an an all-inclusive list of projects. There are many other smaller projects underway at any given time, as example — vegetation control, culvert maintenance and replacement, bridge maintenance, signal system maintenance, railroad crossing maintenance, and others.
Connecticut River Main Line (a.k.a. the Knowledge Corridor)
Conn River Main Line Bridge Work | MP 3.60 & MP 7.97
This project calls for the repair and rehabilitation of two existing steel railroad bridges on the Connecticut River Main Line, in the cities of Chicopee and Holyoke.
Depot Street in Chicopee, Mass. | June 20, 2022
The bridge at milepost (MP) 3.60, which carriers the railroad line over Depot Street in Chicopee, is a 25-foot long single span open deck bridge.
Gatehouse Road in Holyoke, Mass. | June 20, 2022
The bridge at MP 7.97 — which carries the railroad line over the Second Level Canal and Lyman street in Holyoke — is a 336-foot long 3-span open deck bridge.
This bridge was built in 1928 by the Boston Bridge Works. The inventory record, which can be found on the link below, indicates that the bridge replaced an iron lattice truss bridge that was built on the site in 1887.
Milestones
May 16, 2022 | The project was put out to bid.
June 17, 2022 | No bids were submitted for this project.
January 27, 2023 | The project was put out to bid again.
March 3, 2023 | Bids were opened and the apparent low bidder is Manafort Transit LLC of Waltham, Mass.
September 8–10, 2023 | Work on the bridge in Holyoke was performed during a three-day track outage and work window for this project. As of early October 2023 work on the bridge in Chicopee has not yet started.
Further reading
B & M Railroad Bridge over Lyman Street
Massachusetts Cultural Resource Information System
Knowledge Corridor Positive Train Control project
In 2021 MassDOT initiated a project that would lead to the installation of a safety system known as Positive Train Control (PTC) on the MassDOT-owned Connecticut River Main Line between Springfield and the Vermont state line.
The Connecticut River Main Line, which is often referred to as the Conn River Line or the Knowledge Corridor, is used by Amtrak’s Valley Flyer and Vermonter trains, and the freight operator Berkshire & Eastern Railroad.
Notably, the Conn River Line is the only rail corridor used by Amtrak in Massachusetts that does not have PTC installed and in use today.
The other rail corridors that Amtrak operates on in the state — the Northeast Corridor, the CSX freight line west of Worcester, the MBTA Commuter Rail network1, and the Amtrak line south of Springfield — all have PTC installed and in use today.
1 The entire MBTA Commuter Rail network also has PTC installed and in use today.
Updates
2021
June 21, 2021 | The MassDOT FY 2022 Capital Investment Plan was approved with $65 million allocated for a multi-year project to add Positive Train Control (PTC) to the Connecticut River Main Line.
2022
February 16, 2022 | During the MassDOT Board of Directors meeting it was announced that plans to procure long lead materials have started for the PTC project on the Knowledge Corridor. It was said that, “final design will be completed this year and construction will be completed over the following two years.”
May 18, 2022 | During a presentation to the MassDOT Board of Directors the MassDOT Rail & Transit Administrator reported that MassDOT was working with Amtrak to pursue federal funds for the Knowledge Corridor PTC project.
June 22, 2022 | The MassDOT FY2023 Capital Investment Plan was approved with no funding specifically listed for Knowledge Corridor PTC project.
2023
September 20, 2023 | The Rail & Transit Division’s written report to the MassDOT Board of Directors said that multi-national consulting firm WSP had been awarded a project for the design of a fiber optic cable installation on the Knowledge Corridor as a first step in implementing PTC on this rail corridor.
East-West Rail
Worcester–Springfield Track Work
MassDOT has been awarded $108 million in funding from the Federal Railroad Administration for corridor infrastructure projects between Worcester and Springfield as part of the “Connecting the Commonwealth: Early Actions for the Inland Route Project” grant application.
The planned project would include the following major elements:
- Infrastructure improvements (as detailed in the diagram below) that will result in increased train speeds and additional corridor capacity along the 53-mile section of the CSX Boston & Albany Line between Worcester and Springfield.
- The extension of existing passing siding capacity and other track improvements will increase the Maximum Authorized Speed for passenger trains to 80 mph (where track geometry allows) and minimize train delays along the 44-mile single-track segment.
- Increased operational efficiency and flexibility by reducing passenger and freight train conflicts and reducing travel times along the remaining single-track segments on the CSX-owned segment between Worcester and Springfield.
Start of design work | Summer 2024
Start of construction | Summer 2027
Updates
December 2022 | A grant application for this proposed project was submitted under the FRA’s Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) grant program.
September 22, 2023 | MassDOT was awarded $108 million in funding for the project from the Federal Railroad Administration’s FY2022 Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) grant program. (Press Release, Office of Governor Maura Healey)
Palmer Train Station Project
Project Development and Design | July 2023 — June 2025
Timeline
2017 | As part of early planning for a new train station, the town commissioned the Palmer Transit Oriented Development (TOD) Draft Conceptual Downtown Plan. This study, prepared by Fuss & O’Neill, looked at factors that would impact TOD in downtown Depot Village. (Palmer TOD Draft Conceptual Downtown Plan presentation)
June 1, 2019 | The UMass Amherst Center for Economic Development released a report that examined the feasibility of the Town of Palmer becoming a passenger stop on a proposed East-West rail line. The report can be found on this link — Towards a Passenger Station on the East-West Massachusetts Train Line: The Case for Palmer (PDF)
January 2021 | The Massachusetts Department of Transportation completed its East-West Rail Passenger Rail Study. All of the proposed final alternatives included a station stop in Palmer.
March 1, 2023 | Governor Maura Healey’s fiscal year 2024 budget proposal included a line item which would provide $4 million for the study and design of a new station in Palmer. (Governor’s Budget Proposal)
July 19, 2023 | The MassDOT Board of Director’s approved the FY2024–FY2028 Capital Investment Plan, which included $4 million for the study and design of a new station in Palmer.
Springfield
Springfield | Amtrak interlocking renewal project
Schedule | Oct 2020 – Sept 2024 | In Progress
This project involves the upgrade and reconfiguration of Amtrak’s Spring and Sweeny interlockings just west of Springfield Union Station.
This project plans to separate Spring interlocking from Sweeny interlocking, installation of a new a crossover connecting tracks 2A and 4, and the replacement and reconfiguration of turnouts associated with the Sweeny interlocking.
The existing Sweeny interlocking is beyond its design life and the antiquated signal system and track geometry is prone to failures and dependent on spare parts that are no longer in production.
Further reading
Spring (Springfield, MA) Interlocking Renewal Project (PDF)
NEC Capital Investment Plan: FY24-28 | November 2023
Spring (Springfield, MA) Interlocking Renewal Project (PDF)
NEC Capital Investment Plan: FY23-27 | October 2022
Springfield | Riverfront park access project
The City of Springfield will manage a project to create a new entrance way to River Front Park.
The proposed improvements, shown below, will replace the existing surface level parking lot on the east side of the tracks with an Americans with Disabilities Act compliant pedestrian path to the existing underpass to the north of the lot.
Updates
January 15, 2021 | The state Transportation Bond Bill that was signed by Governor Baker included $1.5 million in funding to improve access to Riverfront Park in downtown Springfield.
March 8, 2022 | Amtrak offered the City of Springfield a $3 million contribution towards the cost of Riverfront Park access project. As part of the agreement Amtrak would be permitted to permanently close the State Street crossing.
April 14, 2023 | The City of Springfield opened bids for the development of drawings, specifications, and engineer’s estimates for the “Redevelopment of Riverfront Park Phase 3.”
Further information
“Railroad underpass work to improve safety, access to Springfield’s Riverfront Park”
By Jim Kinney | Springfield Republican | February 19, 2021
State Street Crossing Improvement Project (PDF)
NEC Capital Investment Plan: FY23-27 | October 2022
“Springfield’s Riverfront Park, cut off by railroad, seeks reconnect with Amtrak-funded project”
By Jim Kinney | Springfield Republican | July 9, 2023
Springfield | Track Reconfiguration Design Project
The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) intends to prepare preliminary engineering design and environmental clearance work for significant track, signal, and infrastructure improvements around Springfield Union Station.
These improvements include one or more additional platforms, additional crossover tracks, storage tracks, a new layover facility, and other work that will support the Amtrak Springfield Line, the CSX Boston Albany Line, the Connecticut River Main Line, and small segments of the former Armory Branch (to the east of the station.)
This project would improve operational efficiency, reduce travel times, improve passenger accessibility for intercity passenger rail services, and reduce freight and passenger rail conflicts on the rail corridors in the Springfield area.
The final design, among other things, in all likelihood will include elements that will eliminate the need for Amtrak’s Valley Flyer (and Vermonter, in a few years) to back in and out of the station, and for Amtrak current east-west trains 448 & 449 (the Lake Shore Limited) to stop on a low-level platform in Springfield rather than on a high-level platform.
This project lays the groundwork for a significant increase in train and passenger traffic at Springfield Union Station in the coming years.
Springfield | New High Level Platform
Springfield Union Station | looking west | August 18, 2021
Project schedule | Oct 2022 – Sep 2026 | In Progress
This project will replace the existing low-level platform (Platform B) between tracks 2 and 2A at Springfield Union Station with a new high level boarding platform.
This platform is currently used by Amtrak’s existing east-west service, trains 448 and 449.
Further reading
Springfield MA New High Level Platform (PDF)
NEC Capital Investment Plan: FY24-28 | November 2023
Springfield MA New High Level Platform (PDF)
NEC Capital Investment Plan: FY23-27 | October 2022
Freight projects
NECR Freight Corridor Upgrade (2021– )
In February 2021 the MassDOT Board of Directors approved funding to support a project to upgrade the 55-mile New England Central Railroad (NECR) corridor in Massachusetts that runs between Monson, Palmer and Northfield.
The project, which is managed by NECR, is funded roughly 1/3rd by NECR, 1/3rd by MassDOT, and 1/3 by the Federal Railroad Administration.
Construction | 2022 – 2024
The project includes the replacement of 22.7 miles of jointed rail with continuously welded rail, the installation of 30,000 wood ties, the replacement of 30 turnouts, the installation of 25,000 tons of new stone ballast, the alignment and surfacing of 54.7 miles of track, and bridge deck repairs on 16 structures.
The project will increase the maximum allowable gross weight for freight cars moved on this NECR line from from 263,000 lbs to current national standard which is 286,000 lbs.
Further reading
Closing the Gap in New England Western Massachusetts Freight Railroad Upgrade Project (PDF)
MassDOT Board Presentation | February 22, 2021
Connecticut – Projects of note
Enfield | New Hartford Line station
Final Design | Mar 2021 – To be determined | In Progress
Construction | Starting in the Spring of 2025
This proposed project will add a new Hartford Line station in the town of Enfield.
The project includes a single high-level platform, transit connections, parking, and improvements to the bridge that carries the railroad over Main Street.
The new station in Enfield is important for western Massachusetts because once it opens it will become the nearest Hartford Line station for people living just over the state line, in Agawam, East Longmeadow and Longmeadow.
Updates
October 4, 2023 | The Connecticut Department of Transportation hosted a hybrid public information meeting concerning the proposed railroad station in Enfield at Enfield Town Hall.
CTDOT Press Release
Meeting video (1hr 27m)
Progress images
By Wikimedia Commons user Pi.1415926535
Further reading
Enfield Station (PDF)
NEC Capital Investment Plan: FY23-27 | October 2022
Enfield has a Station (PDF)
Town of Enfield | March 2021
“CT to build train station in Enfield, using nearly $32 million in state, federal funds”
By Abigail Brone | CT Insider | June 3, 2022
Transit Oriented Development Project
Town of Enfield
Windsor Locks | New Hartford Line station
Final Design | Jan 2020 – Apr 2022 | Complete
Construction | Aug 2022 – Aug 2025 | In Progress
On September 14, 2022, Governor Ned Lamont joined state and local officials to officially break ground for the Windsor Locks station project, which includes a new train station and roadway safety and track improvements in the Town of Windsor Locks.
The new station, which will be located just to the north of the historic Windsor Locks station building, is expected to open in 2024.
The station will include a single 500-foot long partially covered high-level train platform.
The planned surface parking lots at the station are designed to accommodate 159 vehicles.
The station will also include a loading/unloading area for connecting bus service to Bradley International Airport.
The new station is important for people living in western Massachusetts for two reasons —
- Windsor Locks is currently the station of choice for people living in Agawam and Longmeadow due to its close proximity, and
- This new station will be the transfer point for the bus connection between the Hartford Line and Bradley Airport.
Updates
September 19, 2019 | The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) hosted a public information meeting meeting to present the project to the community.
Presentation deck (PDF) | Project Fact Sheet (PDF)
March 30, 2022 | Bids for this project (CTDOT Project 0320-0016) were opened. The apparent low bidder was Manafort Brothers Inc. with a bid of $19,663,134.
July 15, 2022 | The contact for the project was awarded to the Walsh Group.
September 14, 2022 | Governor Ned Lamont and other elected officials officially broke ground for the project.
October 3, 2022 | Construction of the Windsor Locks station project commenced.
June 24/24, 2023 | The rail corridor between Hartford and Springfield was shutdown for the weekend so that Amtrak could position the track next to the future location of the new station platform.
Progress images
Further reading
Project Fact Sheet (PDF)
CTDOT | September 2019
Windsor Lock Station and Interlocking Improvements (PDF)
NEC Capital Investment Plan: FY24-28 | November 2023
Windsor Lock Station and Interlocking Improvements (PDF)
NEC Capital Investment Plan: FY23-27 | October 2022
Hartford Line | New coaches and cab cars
The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) intends to purchase a fleet of new rail cars to replace its existing push-pull coaches and cab cars on the Hartford Line.
2019
June 3, 2019 | CTDOT issued a Request for Information regarding the procurement of single-level push-pull coaches and cab cars to replace its existing push-pull fleet. (Solicitation #19CTrail-1)
2020
April 16, 2020 | The State Bond Commission in Connecticut approved the expenditure of $300 million for the state-wide rail rolling stock replacement program (Minutes of Meeting of the State Bond Commission)
April 30, 2020 | CTDOT issued a Request for Proposal for the design and manufacture of rail cars and related services. (Solicitation #20CTRAIL-1)
2022
May 11, 2022 | CTDOT reissued its RFP for the design and manufacture of rail cars and related services. This bid was is canceled by CTDOT on Nov 22, 2022. (Solicitation #22CTRAIL-1)
November 23, 2022 | CTDOT again reissued its RFP for the design and manufacture of rail cars and related services. (Solicitation #22-CTRAIL-1A)
The current RFP states that the contractor shall deliver a base order of 41 trailer cars and 19 cab cars to CTDOT on the following schedule:
| Event | Calendar Days from Notice to Proceed |
| Delivery of Pilot Cars (3 Trailer Cars & 1 Cab Car) | 791 days (~26 months) |
| Delivery of First Production Rail Car | 973 days (~32 months) |
| Delivery of Last Rail Car of base order | 1,392 days (~46 months) |
2023
August 9, 2023 | The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) announced that they are purchasing 60 new rail cars for the Hartford Line and the states other commuter rail lines.
The new rail cars will have a two-by-two seating configuration, foldable workstation tables, onboard WiFi, power outlets, USB ports, a bicycle storage area and “panoramic balcony-style windows allowing for the flow of natural sunlight through the car’s interior, giving riders great site views,” according to the CTDOT press release.
The first new new cars are expect to be delivered starting in 2026 and the last car of the order is expected in 2028. (CTDOT Press Release, August 9, 2023)
Hartford Line | Double Track (Phase 3B)
Final Design | Jun 2022 – Jul 2024 | In Progress
Construction | Mar 2025 – Aug 2027 | Not Started
This project will complete the double-tracking of the Hartford Line rail corridor between West Hartford and Enfield.
The project will be divided into three contracts —
Contract 1 | West Hartford to Hartford (MP 33.4 to MP 35.1)
Installation of 1.7 miles of second track between West Hartford and Hartford. Removal of an existing freight siding.
Contract 2 | Windsor to Windsor Locks (MP 46.2 to MP 48.6)
Installation of 2.4 miles of second track between Windsor and Windsor Locks.
Contract 3 | Enfield (MP 51.5 to MP53.1)
Installation of 1.5 miles of second track in Enfield.
Each contract also includes signal improvements. track drainage swales, underdrains, existing culvert extensions and rehabilitations, grade crossing improvements including wayside horns, retaining walls, and reconnection of existing commercial/industrial sidings, as required.
Further reading
Hartford Line Rail Program Double Track (Phase 3B) (PDF)
FSP-NEC Project Fact Sheet | FRA | November 6, 2023
Hartford Line Rail Program Double Track (Phase 3B) (PDF)
NEC Capital Investment Plan: FY24-28 | November 2023
Hartford Line Rail Program Double Track (Phase 3B) (PDF)
NEC Capital Investment Plan: FY23-27 | October 2022
Connecticut River Bridge Replacement
Planning | Jan 2024 – To be determined | Not Started
Final Design | To be determined – Oct 2026 | Not Started
Construction | Oct 2026 – Oct 2031 | Not Started
This project is for the replacement the Amtrak-owned railroad bridge with a bridge in the towns of Enfield and Windsor Locks, Connecticut.
The current bridge, which was built by the American Bridge Company in 1903, carries Amtrak’s Springfield Line over the Connecticut River and the Windsor Locks Canal.
On June 5, 2023, Amtrak announced that it had submitted an application to the Federal Railroad Administration for funding of this and other projects along the Northeast Corridor.
Further reading
Springfield Line: Connecticut River Bridge Replacement (PDF)
NEC Capital Investment Plan: FY24-28 | November 2022
Springfield Line: Connecticut River Bridge Replacement (PDF)
NEC Capital Investment Plan: FY23-27 | October 2022
Vermont | NECR Projects
Major projects planned for the 2023 construction season on the New England Central Railway (NECR) along the route of the Vermonter.
Track work
Replacement of 22,000 ties and 41 miles of track surfacing between White River Junction and a point about three miles south of the Bellows Falls station.
Bridge work
Replacement of the bridge that carries the railroad line over Vermont Route 14 in Royalton VT. (Royalton Bridge BR#24)
Signal system work
Installation of a Centralized Traffic Control signal system extension from Putney VT south to East Northfield MA.
Work related to active warning devices at grade crossings
– 21 locations upgraded
– 17 new locations installed
Rock slope remediation
Culvert work (3 locations)
Embankment work (2 locations)
Ledge remediation (10 locations)
Rock slide detector installation (8 locations)
Hot box and dragging equipment detectors (5 locations)
See also
East-West rail in Massachusetts
Infrastructure | Completed Projects
MassDOT Capital Investment Plan
Page last updated: November 29, 2023
Page last reviewed: November 15, 2022