Massachusetts Department of Transportation and CSX Agree to Rail Upgrades in Berkshires to Enhance Passenger Service
The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) and railroad company CSX have reached an agreement to implement rail upgrades in the Berkshires. This initiative aims to mitigate conflicts between freight trains and the state's ambition to expand passenger rail services. The Healey administration announced that MassDOT will finance the construction of a new siding and other track improvements near Pittsfield to boost rail capacity. Additionally, the feasibility of a new platform at Pittsfield Station will be explored. These enhancements are intended to support the permanent seasonal weekend Berkshire Flyer service and lay the groundwork for broader passenger rail expansion in Western Massachusetts. While the agreement outlines MassDOT's commitments, the specific contributions from CSX were not detailed by the administration. The Berkshire Flyer service, which connects Pittsfield and New York City, has been operational since 2022, with Amtrak running the trains supported by MassDOT. The state is als...
