Phase 1 Early Action Construction
- Culvert Replacements and Related Track Work – complete
- Wetland Construction – complete
- Tarkiln Hill Road Grade Crossing Improvements – complete
- Four Bridge Replacements – complete
Culvert Replacements Update
Installed 46 culverts as part of the drainage system. Constructed five wetland mitigation areas and began monitoring their success.
Four Bridge Replacements Update
Work has been completed for the for the bridge replacements and related track work at the North and South Cotley railroad bridges in Berkley, the Cedar Swamp railroad bridge in Lakeville, and the Fall Brook railroad bridge in Freetown.
Early Action Building Demolition Update
MBTA's contractor has completed the following early action building demolition work to prepare for follow-on Phase 1 station and Main Line construction.
The former structures at 1141 County St., Taunton; 15 Richmond Road, Freetown; 2804 North Main Street, 825 Davol St., and 61 Pearce St., Fall River; 3 Adams Lane, Berkley; 161 South Main Street and 52 West Grove Street, Middleborough; 91 Old Colony Avenue, Taunton; 2 and 6 Wye Street in Berkley; and 387 Church Street, New Bedford, have been demolished.
Phase 1 Main Line Construction Update
The MBTA Fiscal and Management Control Board (FMCB) approved the first major construction contract to build the Fall River Secondary on May 11, 2020. The second package, which includes the New Bedford Main Line, the Middleborough Secondary, and the signal system for the entire Phase 1 corridor, was approved on August 24, 2020. Construction was completed in 2024.
South Coast Rail and Mass Coastal Railroad Evening Freight Operations
Starting Monday, March 18, 2024, Mass Coastal Railroad will move daily freight operations to evenings. Abutters to the Fall River Secondary Line and New Bedford Main Line (see SCR project map for location of railroad lines) can anticipate trains any time of the day.
The daily operations on the MBTA Middleborough Secondary Line freight service will remain the same.
Test Trains to and from Middleborough to Fall River and New Bedford
Test trains continue to run along the South Coast Rail Right-of-Way. The MBTA will test with Commuter Rail trains to and from Middleborough, East Taunton, Freetown, Fall River and New Bedford. As testing continues, trains are travelling at speeds of up to 79 miles per hour.
Note: to support this testing, trains and equipment may also run along the Middleborough/Lakeville Line during overnight hours.
For more information visit the SCR website page on Test Trains.
New Bedford: Pedestrian Bridge at Route 18
Construction continues for the new pedestrian bridge across Route 18 and Acushnet Avenue connecting to the New Bedford Station.
Location of work:
- Purchase Street (between Pearl Street and Willis Street)
- Near the site of the former MassHire Greater New Bedford Career Center (618 Acushnet Ave)
- Route 18 at the Purchase Street exit
Dates/Hours of Work:
- Weekdays, 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM
The railroad right-of-way is active with test trains and freight railroad. Only authorized personnel are allowed on the railroad right-of-way - trespassing is illegal. For your own safety, never walk on or cross the tracks.
If you would like to report a construction-related issue on the South Coast Rail project, please call the hotline at (617) 222-4099. The hotline will be answered Monday-Friday, between 7:00 AM and 3:30 PM (except holidays). All voicemails left outside of these hours are received the following 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM weekday shift. The project will respond to all complaints.