Commuter rail extension provides services to region for the first time in 65 years
BOSTON (March 25, 2025) – HNTB congratulates the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) and the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) on the completion of the South Coast Rail project, a significant milestone in enhancing commuter rail service and economic development in the region. This extension will provide the communities of Taunton, Freetown, New Bedford and Fall River with passenger rail service for the first time in 65 years.
The South Coast Rail project involved the design and construction of new track alignments, stations, layover facilities, signal and communication systems among other critical infrastructure work. HNTB and VHB, as a joint venture, served as the Designer of Record (DOR) for the entire program. The joint venture team was previously engaged in environmental review and conceptual engineering for the project.
“We are proud to have contributed to this transformative, community-focused project,” said Michael Yates, HNTB project manager. “It’s gratifying to work on a project that will provide access to new, reliable transit to these communities and see the extension of passenger rail across the commonwealth.”
Pedestrian bridge in the City of New Bedford
The project will ultimately connect several communities in Massachusetts with 37 miles of new track, 28 grade crossings, 12 bridges – including one pedestrian bridge – two new layover facilities and six new stations. As the DOR, HNTB also was responsible for the design of a steel network tied arch pedestrian bridge in the City of New Bedford. Additionally, staged and accelerated bridge construction (ABC) methods were used to minimize impacts to the roadway below and shorten the construction schedule, allowing the structure to be completed prior to the opening of commuter rail service. Features of the final structure include modern amenities such as elevators, lighting and landscaping, creating a functional and aesthetically pleasing addition to the city.
“We are thrilled to see the South Coast Rail project come to fruition,” said Paul Godfrey, HNTB’s Massachusetts office leader and vice president. “This project not only enhances connectivity for the communities of Fall River and New Bedford but also supports economic development and job creation in the region.”
Revenue service for the South Coast Rail line began on March 24, 2025.