MassDOT endeavors to design and build an infrastructure solution in the vicinity of Pittsfield, Massachusetts that would improve on-time performance for intercity passenger trains along the Boston & Albany Corridor. MassDOT currently supports the Amtrak-operated Berkshire Flyer route from New York City to Pittsfield via Albany, and historically the on-time performance has been hampered by conflicts with freight trains. CSX owns the rail corridor between Albany and Pittsfield where there are long stretches of single track. The Pittsfield Track Capacity project seeks to increase capacity for passenger trains to operate without hindering freight service.
Longer-term, this investment will support the West-East Rail components of MassDOT's overall Compass Rail vision. There will also be incidental benefits to Amtrak's Lake Shore Limited route.
As a first step, MassDOT partnered with CSX and Amtrak to utilize the Boston & Albany Corridor rail simulation model to evaluate various infrastructure solutions to improve on-time performance and reduce corridor conflicts. The next steps will include capital cost estimating, design, and construction.
September 2025 update
MassDOT, CSX, and Amtrak have completed the evaluation of potential infrastructure projects and have agreed on a project concept. The planning efforts have shown that adding a 3-mile siding track (second track for passing trains) in Richmond near the Pittsfield border and a new track switch in Pittsfield would bring operational benefits by increasing corridor capacity. In June, MassDOT and CSX signed an agreement which permits CSX to begin design of the track work. The current scope of work includes preliminary engineering (30% design) and capital cost estimating.
Additionally, MassDOT has selected a consultant to facilitate a planning and design study for a second platform at Pittsfield Station. The single platform at Pittsfield Station requires Amtrak to use Track 1 for all station stops, and this can lead to congestion and delays. MassDOT intends to conduct an alternatives analysis to identify a feasible conceptual design to install a second platform.