The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) Board of Directors awarded a construction contract of more than $98 million to upgrade the tracks, switches and signals at South Station, which will result in improvements to the reliability and resiliency of Commuter Rail and Amtrak train service into and out of the station.
The project will provide better operational reliability to the MBTA’s nine Commuter Rail lines that terminate at South Station, as well as Amtrak’s Northeast Corridor and Lake Shore Limited services while also improving safety, resiliency, and security. When complete, the project at South Station will address immediate state-of-good-repair needs of current train service while also supporting future growth of both the MBTA and Amtrak through numerous upgrades to track, signals, communications and interlocking infrastructure.
In addition to track and signal work, this project includes installation of a new master signal house, a new backup generator, inverter and transformer system, switch heaters, as well as electrical and signal cable trough systems, new LED lighting of the track and overhead wire areas and provide new security systems, including cameras and fencing.
The contract, which was awarded to Middlesex Corporation, will be funded through a combination of sources, including $41.2 million of Federal Railroad Administration State of Good Repair Grant, as well as additional funds from the MBTA and Amtrak.
Under the project schedule, work is expected to begin in April and will reach substantial completion in late 2027, with final completion anticipated in spring 2028.
