The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) and CSX recently signed an agreement to advance rail infrastructure improvements in Pittsfield. The work supports permanent seasonal Berkshire Flyer service.
The service provides seasonal weekend passenger rail service between New York City and Pittsfield. This year, an additional round trip was added.
Under the agreement, MassDOT will fund the construction of a siding and other track improvements that help increase rail capacity and reduce conflicts between passenger and freight operations. The department also is exploring the feasibility of a new platform at Pittsfield Station.
The work is included in the department’s $31 million in its FY 2027-2031 Capital Investment Plan. A rail operations modeling study completed in 2024 identified areas for infrastructure improvements in the Pittsfield area.
“This project demonstrates what strong public-private partnership and targeted infrastructure investment can accomplish,” Andy Daly, CSX senior director of passenger rail operations, said. “These improvements will support safe, reliable passenger service while preserving the efficient freight operations that support regional businesses, communities, and economic growth.”
The Federal Railroad Administration recently awarded Amtrak approximately $2 billion in federal funding for additional Siemens Airo trainsets. The trains will support Compass Rail services in Massachusetts, including the Berkshire Flyer, and the first phase of the planned West-East Rail route between Boston, Springfield and New Haven.