The U.S. Department of Transportation recently awarded the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) a more than $41 million Federal-State Partnership for State of Good Repair Grant program grant.
Funding will be used for improvements at Boston’s South Station Terminal. The terminal is the fourth busiest station on the North East Corridor and the sixth busiest station nationwide in the Amtrak system.
The aging terminal suffers from outdated equipment, increased service demands, and geographic constraints.
Improvements include replacing and upgrading signals, switches, track, and power systems.
Funding also will be used for upgrading South Station’s Tower 1, a junction for trains arriving and departing South Station. Improvements include addressing settling that has occurred at switch points, replacing the existing signal system, and improving resilience.
Massachusetts’ congressional delegation sent a letter to the Federal Railroad Administration in March expressing support for MassDOT’s grant application.
“These critical upgrades and improvements at South Station will create greater flexibility and reliability in train service which will hopefully entice more people to leave their cars at home,” Rep. Lori Trahan (D-MA) said. “These types of commuting options are not only better for our environment, but they are key to a stronger economy and a happier quality of life of those who live and work here.”