Press Release  MassDOT Celebrates Tenth Anniversary of “Knowledge Corridor” Purchase and Rehabilitation

NORTHAMPTON — The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) is celebrating the 10-year anniversary of the state’s purchase and rehabilitation of the "Knowledge Corridor” tracks within Massachusetts, which helped sustain the Amtrak Vermonter passenger rail service that first launched in December 2014. The 49-mile stretch of tracks between the northern and southern borders of Massachusetts, which the state formally purchased in 2015,enable passenger rail trips on Amtrak’s Vermonter line, from St. Albans, Vermont to Greenfield, Northampton, Holyoke, and Springfield. Since the 2015 purchase, three new stations were built along the corridor, including in Northampton, Holyoke, and Greenfield.

“It’s great to recognize the 10-year anniversary of the purchase of the Knowledge Corridor tracks, which has allowed us to increase passenger rail service throughout Western Mass,” said Governor Maura Healey. “Our administration is committed to continuing to build on this progress to bring more transportation options, better communities and new housing and economic development to Western Mass. I’m grateful for the strong leadership of Congressman Neal, Congressman McGovern and MassDOT to deliver for the people of Western Mass.” 

“When the Commonwealth purchased the Knowledge Corridor in 2015, it wasn’t just an investment in tracks and ties. It was a promise to the people of western Massachusetts,” said Transportation Secretary and CEO Monica Tibbits-Nutt. “Since then, the return of reliable passenger rail has helped breathe new life into downtowns, supported local businesses, and reconnected residents to jobs, education, and each other, from Greenfield to Springfield. The rehabilitation of this line shows what’s possible when we believe in the power of rail to transform lives and landscapes. As we celebrate this anniversary, MassDOT is proud to carry that vision forward through our Compass Rail initiative. We are expanding opportunity, equity, and connection across the Commonwealth.” 

“Time and again we see that meaningful investment brings meaningful results,” said Rail and Transit Administrator Meredith Slesinger. “When the Commonwealth purchased the Knowledge Corridor ten years ago, it was more than a commitment to improving deteriorated infrastructure, it was also a commitment to providing useful transportation service to the people living in and visiting Massachusetts. Starting with one daily Vermonter round trip in December 2014, additional service was added through the Valley Flyer in 2019. As a result, 2024 ridership for Knowledge Corridor stations was double that of 2018, showing strong demand for intercity passenger rail in Western Mass.” 

“I am pleased to join with my friend and colleague, Jim McGovern, as well as our partners in state government, in commemorating what is truly a momentous occasion for the Pioneer Valley. I’ve had a long interest in rail and its potential to unlock economic opportunities for our region. The Knowledge Corridor is one of the many critical investments we’ve made to improve and expand passenger rail service, and it’s a privilege to be here to celebrate its decennial,” said Congressman Richard Neal. “Having served on the Ways and Means Committee for much of my tenure, I’ve had the privilege of participating in many legislative achievements that have directly benefited western and central Massachusetts. The Knowledge Corridor was awarded a $75 million High-Speed Rail Grant funded by the 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, much of which was written in our committee. The demand for passenger rail is palpable, and the Knowledge Corridor will play a key role in our long-term goal of a realized Compass Rail.” 

“The restoration and return of passenger rail a decade ago was a cause for great celebration for Northampton and our region. In just ten years, we’ve gone from no service to ridership that has doubled since 2018,” said Mayor Gina-Louise Sciarra of Northampton. “The Knowledge Corridor shows what happens when we invest in climate-friendly, equitable transportation—it brings our communities closer together and makes our downtowns stronger.” 

The Restore Vermonter project, funded largely through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, rehabilitated thetracks between Springfield and Northfield now known as the Knowledge Corridor. This enabled the Vermonter to travel this new alignment in December 2014, saving 25 minutes of travel time over the previous alignment that detoured through Palmer. As part of the project, MassDOT constructed stations in Greenfield and Northampton, rehabilitated the Stone Arch Bridge in Bernardston, and completed a pedestrian and bike underpass in Northampton.  

Owning the line has enabled MassDOT to invest in rail and infrastructure projects, increasing corridor capacity for both passenger service and freight trains. As a result of the improvements and funding, the Amtrak Valley Flyer, a MassDOT-funded service, began operating on the Knowledge Corridor in 2019. Massachusetts continues to work towards improving rail infrastructure to support increased service levels through current projects, such as the Springfield Area Track Reconfiguration Project and the Inland Route, both part of Compass Rail, the long-term vision for intercity passenger rail in the Commonwealth. 

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