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Northern Tier Passenger Rail

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Northern Tier Passenger Rail
East portal of Hoosac Tunnel along the proposed NTPR route
Overview
StatusProposed
LocaleWestern Massachusetts
PredecessorBoston and Maine Railroad
Current operator(s)Amtrak (Proposed)
Route
Distance travelled140 miles (230 km)
Technical
Track gauge4 ft 8+1⁄2 in (1,435 mm) standard gauge
Track owner(s)Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority, CSX

Northern Tier Passenger Rail (abbreviated NTPR) is a proposed intercity rail project in the U.S. state of Massachusetts that would restore passenger service between the cities Boston and North Adams. The line would connect Berkshire, Franklin, Worcester, Middlesex, and Suffolk counties in northwestern Massachusetts with North Station. The proposal, overseen by the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT), aims to enhance transportation options in the region by reintroducing passenger rail service along the historically significant, yet currently underutilized, Northern Tier rail corridor.[1]

Northern Tier Passenger Rail stems from public demand for improved transit connectivity between Western Massachusetts and Boston, a region currently underserved by public transportation. The project is seen as a critical component of broader efforts to foster regional equity, economic development, and environmental sustainability across the state. A draft final report for Northern Tier Passenger Rail, released by MassDOT in August 2024, outlines several potential service options, ranging from a fully electrified rail system to more localized, cost-effective solutions. The report also highlights the significant financial investment required—estimated at up to $2.96 billion—and discusses the project's benefits, challenges, and the need for further study on travel demand and funding sources.[2][3][4]

The development of Northern Tier Passenger Rail is in the pre-decisional stage, and is often discussed in relation to other east-to-west intercity rail projects in Massachusetts such as East-West Rail and Compass Rail. Despite heavy advocacy and high public support for the project, MassDOT's initial NTPR study concluded that the capital costs to construct any of the service alternatives may outweigh potential benefits, which may preclude any further development of passenger rail on the corridor.[5][6][7] Additionally, MassDOT has questioned the practicality of NTPR in terms of serving a viable transportation need.[2][8][9]

History

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Map of the Fitchburg Railroad

The Fitchburg Railroad was established in 1842, initially connecting Boston with Fitchburg. The line was extended westward, eventually reaching North Adams in 1848 and continuing through the Hoosac Tunnel to connect with Troy, New York, in 1875. The construction of the Hoosac Tunnel was critical in establishing the Fitchburg Railroad as a key transportation route through the Berkshire Mountains. The tunnel, which took nearly 25 years to complete (from 1851 to 1875), was one of the longest tunnels in the world at the time of its completion.

In 1900, the Fitchburg Railroad was acquired by the Boston and Maine Railroad (B&M). The post-World War II era marked a significant decline in passenger rail service across the United States, including along the Northern Tier. Increasing competition from automobiles and airplanes led to a sharp reduction in passenger demand. By the 1950s, service frequency along the Fitchburg line had decreased significantly. In 1960 when the Boston and Maine Railroad discontinued all passenger services west of Fitchburg, leaving the Northern Tier without any regular passenger rail service.[10]

Current services

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Eastbound PAS freight leaving the Hoosac Tunnel

As of 2024, the Northern Tier rail corridor is primarily used for freight services, with no regular passenger service operating along the full length of the route. Historically, the corridor is a key route for passenger and freight rail, and remains active, albeit in a different capacity than during its peak. The Northern Tier rail corridor is currently owned and operated by Pan Am Railways west of Fitchburg, which was acquired by CSX Transportation in 2022. The route serves as a vital link for freight moving between New York, New England, and Canada, with significant traffic including paper, lumber, and other goods. These trains share the corridor with the commuter services operating on the eastern end of the route.[2]

The eastern portion of the Northern Tier corridor, specifically from Fitchburg to Boston, is also part of the MBTA's Fitchburg Line. The Fitchburg Line provides regular commuter rail services between Fitchburg, several intermediate communities, and Boston's North Station. Historically, the MBTA had previously operated services as far west as Gardner; however, all current services truncate at Wachusett Station. Recent upgrades, including track improvements and the introduction of positive train control (PTC), have enhanced the line's reliability and service frequency. Currently, Amtrak does not operate any passenger services along the Northern Tier corridor.[2]

Current route limitations

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Several factors have limited the expansion of services on the Northern Tier corridor. The track infrastructure along the corridor varies significantly in quality. While the eastern portion of the route, particularly from Fitchburg to Boston, has undergone recent upgrades to support MBTA Commuter Rail services, the western sections—extending from Fitchburg to North Adams—are less developed. The tracks west of Fitchburg have seen minimal investment in recent decades, leading to issues such as lower speed limits and a lack of modern signaling systems. This reduces the viability of high-frequency passenger services and would require substantial investment to meet contemporary standards for passenger rail.[2]

A significant portion of the Northern Tier corridor consists of single-track segments, particularly in the western regions of the route. Single-track operations limit the capacity and flexibility of the rail service, as trains traveling in opposite directions must wait for each other at designated passing points. This constraint complicates the scheduling of frequent passenger services and could lead to delays and reduced reliability unless additional tracks or sidings are constructed.[11]

The current station infrastructure along the Northern Tier route is either outdated or, in many locations, entirely absent. Many of the original stations have been demolished or repurposed, and the few remaining stations would require significant upgrades to accommodate modern passenger rail services. This includes the need for ADA-compliant facilities, improved platforms, and better access to transportation links such as parking and bus services.[2]

Service restoration study

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Massachusetts State Legislation and 2019 Transportation Bond Bill

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The planning for Northern Tier Passenger Rail came with the passage of the 2019 Massachusetts Transportation Bond Bill (Chapter 90 of the Acts of 2019).[12][13][14] This legislation authorized the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) to conduct a comprehensive study of passenger rail service along the Northern Tier corridor. The law directed MassDOT to explore various service options, assess infrastructure needs, and estimate the costs associated with reintroducing passenger service. Specifically, the legislation required MassDOT to:

  • Evaluate the feasibility of passenger rail service between Boston, Greenfield, and North Adams.
  • Consider different service models, including commuter, regional, and intercity rail.
  • Estimate the costs of required infrastructure improvements, including track upgrades, station construction, and potential electrification.
  • Assess potential ridership and the overall economic impact of reestablishing the service.

2024 Northern Tier Passenger Rail Draft Final Report

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Following the directive from the 2019 Transportation Bond Bill, MassDOT launched an official study of the Northern Tier Passenger Rail, which culminated in the release of the 2024 draft final report. This study represents the most comprehensive analysis to date of the corridor's potential for passenger service.

The draft final report evaluated multiple service scenarios, ranging from minimal investment options that would involve shared tracks with freight trains to more ambitious plans, including full overhead electrification and dedicated passenger rail infrastructure. The study also considered the environmental and economic benefits of the project, as well as the potential challenges, such as high costs and the need for substantial infrastructure upgrades.

The public comment period for the draft report closed on October 12, 2024.[2][15][16]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ Riley, Neal, ed. (August 15, 2024). "Maps show where Massachusetts is studying "Northern Tier Passenger Rail" train service". CBS News Boston. Retrieved October 24, 2024.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g Massachusetts Department of Transportation (August 2024). "Draft Northern Tier Passenger Rail Study Report".
  3. ^ "Northern Tier Passenger Rail Restoration Project". Center for Learning in Action. Retrieved 2024-08-28.
  4. ^ "Northern Tier Passenger Rail Study Overview – Trains In The Valley". trainsinthevalley.org. 2019-05-15. Retrieved 2024-08-28.
  5. ^ Adam Shanks (2019-06-02). "Plenty of people on board with resurrecting passenger rail linking North Adams, Boston". The Berkshire Eagle. Retrieved 2024-08-30.
  6. ^ "Northern Tier Passenger Rail Study Garners Positive Feedback / NorthAdams.com". northadams.com. Retrieved 2024-08-30.
  7. ^ "New report shows costs may outweigh benefits for Northern Tier Passenger Rail". Franklin County Now. 2024-08-16. Retrieved 2024-08-30.
  8. ^ Sten Spinella (2024-04-12). "Why isn't Northern Tier Rail included in state's vision for passenger train travel in Western Massachusetts?". The Berkshire Eagle. Retrieved 2024-08-28.
  9. ^ "Regional Lawmaker See Possibilities in Northern Tier Passenger Rail". www.iberkshires.com. 2024-08-28. Retrieved 2024-08-28.
  10. ^ Karr, Ronald Dale (2017). The Rail Lines of Southern New England (2 ed.). Branch Line Press. ISBN 978-0-942147-12-4.
  11. ^ Massachusetts Department of Transportation: Office of Transportation Planning (January 20, 2021). "Scope of Work: Northern Tier Passenger Rail Study" (PDF).
  12. ^ "Gov. signs $375M transportation bond bill". Massachusetts Municipal Association (MMA). 2024-05-03. Retrieved 2024-08-30.
  13. ^ "Bill H.5248". malegislature.gov. Retrieved 2024-08-30.
  14. ^ MAPC (2020). "Legislative Committee Summaries" (PDF).
  15. ^ "Northern Tier Passenger Rail Study". ArcGIS StoryMaps. 2021-12-20. Retrieved 2024-08-28.
  16. ^ Doran, Sam. "New Mass. study weighs rail options along state's Northern Tier". The Boston Globe. Retrieved 2024-08-28.
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