East-West rail study’s inclusion in MassDOT plan a ‘major breakthrough,’ Sen. Eric Lesser…
On Friday, MassDOT released a draft of its 2018 rail plan, which among other priorities includes a feasibility study of expanded rail service between Springfield and Boston — a priority for Lesser which has faced roadblocks each time he has introduced it on Beacon Hill. “Given the lack of consensus on the appropriate type of service to pursue between Western Massachusetts and Boston, as well as a lack of full understanding of the costs and impacts of a higher speed service, further study is necessary,” the rail plan says. “This study, at the direction of MassDOT, will address more than ridership. It will examine safety needs (including Positive Train Control) associated with the expectation of higher speed trains, right-of-way acquisition, constructability, community impacts, and the need to protect freight rail capacity, as well as MBTA commuter rail sevice on the Worcester line.”