242:
294:
27:
452:
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466:
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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.
233:. 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. Additionally, MassDOT has questioned the practicality of NTPR in terms of serving a viable transportation need.
480:
360:
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
284:
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.
301:
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
364:
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
216:
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
390:
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). This legislation authorized the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) to conduct a comprehensive study of passenger rail service
425:
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
372:
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
221:
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.
686:
391:
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:
434:
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.
928:
612:
429:
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
209:(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.
1427:
921:
225:
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
1437:
1025:
914:
1085:
438:
The public comment period for the draft report, open until October 12, 2024, allows stakeholders and residents to provide input, which will inform the final recommendations.
318:, 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.
285:
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.
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passing points. This constraint complicates the scheduling of frequent passenger services and could lead to delays and reduced reliability unless additional tracks or
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273:. 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.
710:
1079:
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269:, in 1875. The construction of the Hoosac Tunnel was critical in establishing the Fitchburg Railroad as a key transportation route through the
867:
1073:
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1091:
1061:
1049:
1001:
413:
Estimate the costs of required infrastructure improvements, including track upgrades, station construction, and potential electrification.
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687:"Why isn't Northern Tier Rail included in state's vision for passenger train travel in Western Massachusetts?"
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The eastern portion of the Northern Tier corridor, specifically from Fitchburg to Boston, is also part of the
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facilities, improved platforms, and better access to transportation links such as parking and bus services.
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257:. The line was extended westward, eventually reaching North Adams in 1848 and continuing through the
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756:
Massachusetts Department of Transportation: Office of Transportation Planning (January 20, 2021).
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Northern Tier Passenger Rail stems from public demand for improved transit connectivity between
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337:
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162:
416:
Assess potential ridership and the overall economic impact of reestablishing the service.
217:
MassDOT in August 2024, outlines several potential service options, ranging from a fully
613:"Plenty of people on board with resurrecting passenger rail linking North Adams, Boston"
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101:
661:"New report shows costs may outweigh benefits for Northern Tier Passenger Rail"
637:"Northern Tier Passenger Rail Study Garners Positive Feedback / NorthAdams.com"
310:
in 2022. The route serves as a vital link for freight moving between New York,
1339:
447:
348:(PTC), have enhanced the line's reliability and service frequency. Currently,
270:
302:
its peak. The Northern Tier rail corridor is currently owned and operated by
1309:
799:
332:
services between Fitchburg, several intermediate communities, and Boston's
352:
does not operate any passenger services along the Northern Tier corridor.
975:
336:. Historically, the MBTA had previously operated services as far west as
344:. Recent upgrades, including track improvements and the introduction of
1314:
1254:
1140:
1130:
711:"Regional Lawmaker See Possibilities in Northern Tier Passenger Rail"
349:
315:
174:
75:
587:"Northern Tier Passenger Rail Study Overview – Trains In The Valley"
479:
395:
Evaluate the feasibility of passenger rail service between Boston,
1263:
292:
868:"New Mass. study weighs rail options along state's Northern Tier"
386:
Massachusetts State Legislation and 2019 Transportation Bond Bill
910:
146:
547:
Massachusetts Department of Transportation (August 2024).
253:
was established in 1842, initially connecting Boston with
31:
East portal of Hoosac Tunnel along the proposed NTPR route
173:
that would restore passenger service between the cities
1026:
Greater Attleboro Taunton Regional Transit Authority
421:
2024 Northern Tier Passenger Rail Draft Final Report
276:
In 1900, the Fitchburg Railroad was acquired by the
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University of Massachusetts Transportation Services
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758:"Scope of Work: Northern Tier Passenger Rail Study"
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100:
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87:
82:
69:
59:
49:
41:
36:
563:"Northern Tier Passenger Rail Restoration Project"
1428:Proposed rail infrastructure in the United States
549:"Draft Northern Tier Passenger Rail Study Report"
297:Eastbound PAS freight leaving the Hoosac Tunnel
1438:Passenger rail transportation in Massachusetts
922:
402:Consider different service models, including
16:Proposed Massachusetts intercity rail project
8:
775:"Gov. signs $ 375M transportation bond bill"
340:; however, all current services truncate at
201:counties in northwestern Massachusetts with
19:
1044:Merrimack Valley Regional Transit Authority
901:Northern Tier Passenger Rail Study Overview
1400:Massachusetts Department of Transportation
1344:
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955:
929:
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207:Massachusetts Department of Transportation
25:
1406:Rhode Island Department of Transportation
779:Massachusetts Municipal Association (MMA)
306:west of Fitchburg, which was acquired by
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1448:Proposed railway lines in Massachusetts
1080:Southeastern Regional Transit Authority
1056:Montachusett Regional Transit Authority
526:
736:The Rail Lines of Southern New England
328:. The Fitchburg Line provides regular
18:
1074:Rhode Island Public Transit Authority
373:services. This includes the need for
7:
1433:Rail infrastructure in Massachusetts
1092:Worcester Regional Transit Authority
1062:Nantucket Regional Transit Authority
1050:MetroWest Regional Transit Authority
1002:Berkshire Regional Transit Authority
842:"Northern Tier Passenger Rail Study"
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540:
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1038:Martha's Vineyard Transit Authority
1020:Franklin Regional Transit Authority
1014:Cape Cod Regional Transit Authority
143:Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority
895:Northern Tier Passenger Rail Study
14:
1032:Lowell Regional Transit Authority
1008:Cape Ann Transportation Authority
825:"Legislative Committee Summaries"
1373:Ashmont–Mattapan High Speed Line
1068:Pioneer Valley Transit Authority
492:
478:
464:
450:
205:. The proposal, overseen by the
996:Brockton Area Transit Authority
1:
971:Silver Line Bus Rapid Transit
567:Center for Learning in Action
245:Map of the Fitchburg Railroad
738:(2 ed.). Branch Line Press.
685:Sten Spinella (2024-04-12).
155:Northern Tier Passenger Rail
20:Northern Tier Passenger Rail
1464:
734:Karr, Ronald Dale (2017).
611:Adam Shanks (2019-06-02).
381:Service restoration study
356:Current route limitations
278:Boston and Maine Railroad
181:. The line would connect
64:Boston and Maine Railroad
24:
962:Transportation Authority
515:East-West Passenger Rail
1230:Middleborough/Lakeville
1151:Plymouth & Brockton
91:140 miles (230 km)
1443:Proposed Amtrak routes
903:- Trains In The Valley
346:positive train control
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246:
1393:Related organizations
591:trainsinthevalley.org
410:, and intercity rail.
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282:post-World War II era
244:
214:Western Massachusetts
54:Western Massachusetts
1245:Providence/Stoughton
1240:Newburyport/Rockport
1200:Framingham/Worcester
500:Massachusetts portal
715:www.iberkshires.com
691:The Berkshire Eagle
665:Franklin County Now
617:The Berkshire Eagle
426:passenger service.
271:Berkshire Mountains
71:Current operator(s)
21:
1284:Northeast Regional
1279:Lake Shore Limited
1181:MBTA Commuter Rail
472:Engineering portal
399:, and North Adams.
308:CSX Transportation
299:
251:Fitchburg Railroad
247:
88:Distance travelled
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1220:Kingston/Plymouth
1162:
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1109:Academy Bus Lines
960:Massachusetts Bay
804:malegislature.gov
744:978-0-942147-12-4
369:are constructed.
342:Wachusett Station
152:
151:
1455:
1345:
1303:Other operators:
1205:Franklin/Foxboro
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1102:Other operators:
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937:Mass transit in
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261:to connect with
161:) is a proposed
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280:(B&M). The
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800:"Bill H.5248"
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375:ADA-compliant
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334:North Station
331:
330:commuter rail
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157:(abbreviated
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125:1,435 mm
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1289:Valley Flyer
989:Authorities:
943:Rhode Island
875:. Retrieved
871:
866:Doran, Sam.
861:
850:. Retrieved
848:. 2021-12-20
845:
836:
818:
807:. Retrieved
803:
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783:. Retrieved
781:. 2024-05-03
778:
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719:. Retrieved
717:. 2024-08-28
714:
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694:. Retrieved
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669:. Retrieved
667:. 2024-08-16
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620:. Retrieved
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595:. Retrieved
593:. 2019-05-15
590:
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570:. Retrieved
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1380:Orange Line
1349:MBTA subway
1155:Yankee Line
976:Local buses
312:New England
219:electrified
179:North Adams
102:Track gauge
60:Predecessor
1422:Categories
1363:Green Line
1340:light rail
1269:Downeaster
877:2024-08-28
852:2024-08-28
809:2024-08-30
785:2024-08-30
721:2024-08-28
696:2024-08-28
671:2024-08-30
646:2024-08-30
622:2024-08-30
597:2024-08-28
572:2024-08-28
521:References
397:Greenfield
78:(Proposed)
1402:(MassDOT)
1358:Blue Line
1310:CapeFLYER
1294:Vermonter
1215:Haverhill
1210:Greenbush
1195:Fitchburg
1190:Fairmount
1168:Railroads
1146:Peter Pan
1136:Greyhound
1116:C & J
897:- MassDOT
255:Fitchburg
195:Middlesex
191:Worcester
183:Berkshire
169:state of
96:Technical
1368:Red Line
985:Regional
442:See also
408:regional
404:commuter
267:New York
187:Franklin
121: in
45:Proposed
37:Overview
1408:(RIDOT)
1315:CT Rail
1235:Needham
1123:Concord
1076:(RIPTA)
1052:(MWRTA)
1046:(MVRTA)
1028:(GATRA)
1016:(CCRTA)
987:Transit
964:(MBTA):
367:sidings
338:Gardner
237:History
199:Suffolk
116:⁄
1255:Amtrak
1225:Lowell
1170:&
1141:OurBus
1131:EZRide
1127:DATTCO
1094:(WRTA)
1082:(SRTA)
1070:(PVTA)
1064:(NRTA)
1058:(MART)
1034:(LRTA)
1022:(FRTA)
1010:(CATA)
1004:(BRTA)
742:
350:Amtrak
323:MBTA's
316:Canada
314:, and
197:, and
175:Boston
76:Amtrak
50:Locale
42:Status
1264:Acela
1113:Bloom
1040:(VTA)
998:(BAT)
828:(PDF)
761:(PDF)
83:Route
1338:and
941:and
740:ISBN
263:Troy
249:The
229:and
177:and
167:U.S.
159:NTPR
147:CSX
1424::
870:.
844:.
802:.
777:.
713:.
689:.
663:.
639:.
615:.
589:.
565:.
529:^
406:,
265:,
193:,
189:,
185:,
145:,
127:)
1351::
1183::
930:e
923:t
916:v
880:.
855:.
830:.
812:.
788:.
763:.
746:.
724:.
699:.
674:.
649:.
625:.
600:.
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551:.
123:(
118:2
114:1
111:+
109:8
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