Massachusetts secures $130M for East-West Rail project

A $130 million federal grant has been awarded to advance the East-West Rail project, aimed at connecting western Massachusetts to Boston. The funding, provided by the Federal Railroad Administration through the Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements program, will specifically support the Springfield Hub Modernization Project.

The project involves upgrading tracks, signals, and other infrastructure to resolve rail bottlenecks and reduce conflicts between freight and passenger trains. These improvements are expected to enhance on-time performance and scheduling flexibility for services such as Amtrak’s Vermonter and the Valley Flyer. Construction at the Springfield area is projected to begin next spring.

Governor Maura Healey and U.S. Representative Richard Neal noted that this investment is a significant step toward making passenger rail service between Springfield and Boston a reality, with a target start date of 2030. This latest infusion follows $108 million secured in 2023, bringing the total federal funding for the vision to over $280 million since the passage of the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.