South Coast Rail
Updated on July 8, 2019
As part of our $8 billion, 5-year capital investment program, the South Coast Rail project will offer a reliable transit connection between southeastern Massachusetts and Boston. Riders will be able to take a 1-seat trip—no transfers needed—from Fall River and New Bedford into Boston.
Taunton, New Bedford, and Fall River are the only major cities within 50 miles of Boston that do not currently have Commuter Rail access to Boston. This work will get service to these communities as soon as possible.
The project will be rolled out in phases:
- Phase 1: Extend the Middleborough/Lakeville Line west, and create the New Bedford and Fall River lines
- Full Build: Extend the Stoughton Line south to connect more communities to the New Bedford and Fall River lines
Learn more about the South Coast Rail routes
Phase 1
- Contract: Project management/construction management contract awarded in April 2019
- Projected completion: Fall 2023
- Budget: $1.047 billion
- Status: Early Action construction has begun, and final design, bidding, and construction management are underway
We will extend Commuter Rail service on the Middleborough/Lakeville Line to New Bedford, Fall River, and Taunton. Contracts have been awarded for Early Action projects.
The new Commuter Rail route will extend the Middleborough/Lakeville Line west and continue south and split, with lines to:
- New Bedford
- Fall River
Crews will improve track infrastructure on existing freight tracks and construct 6 new Commuter Rail stations and 2 new overnight layover facilities. Crews will also replace or reconstruct 37.1 miles of track.
The stations will comply with the Americans with Disability Act Standards, including 800-foot high-level platforms. Other amenities include benches, canopies, and parking, in most locations.
Crews will also replace or reconstruct:
- 37.1 miles of track
- 14 bridge crossings
- 63 culverts
- 28 at-grade crossings
Some of this will be completed as Early Action work.
Other Phase 1 work includes:
- Acquiring land for station sites, layovers, and signal equipment
- Finalizing permits—with only 1 local wetland permit remaining
- Initiating procurement process for coaches and locomotives
- Coordinating new service schedule
Early Action work includes replacing or reconstructing:
- 4 bridges
- 63 culverts
- Tarklin Hill Road grade crossing in New Bedford
Learn more about Early Action work
See the latest construction updates
Full Build
- Projected completion: As early as 2030
- Estimated cost: $3.2 billion
- Status: Reviewed under Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act
We will extend Commuter Rail service on the Stoughton Line to the New Bedford and Fall River lines, connecting more communities, including Easton and Raynham, to Boston.
We’ll make a Commuter Rail connection between Stoughton Station and East Taunton Station.
Crews will improve track infrastructure on existing lines that are currently out of service, and construct 5 new stations and reconstruct 2 stations.
The stations will comply with the Americans with Disability Act Standards, including 800-foot high-level platforms. Other amenities include benches, canopies, and parking, in most locations.
Documents and Downloads
Find a complete set of documents and meeting materials
More Information
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