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Commuter rail to receive more than $43M in improvements

E-mail|Link|Comments () July 9, 2009 08:26 PM

By Globe Staff

More than $43 million in federal stimulus money will flow into the state for commuter rail improvements, including projects to improve service on the Haverhill and Fitchburg commuter lines, the governor's office said today.

“We are committed to improving the quality and reliability of commuter rail service throughout the Commonwealth,” Governor Deval Patrick said in a statement. “These recovery investments will help create jobs, improve our infrastructure and strengthen our long-term economy.”

The spending was part of a $64.3 million package of spending from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act targeted toward public transit and commuter rail services in Massachusetts announced today by Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood.

Some of the spending proposed: $17.4 million for double-tracking and other improvements on the Haverhill line; $10.2 million for improvements on the Fitchburg line; $5.25 million for improvements to commuter rail stations; and $8 million for other commuter rail facility improvements.

The stimulus package will also provide funding for MBTA tunnel signage and station improvements, as well as a $12.8 million regional transit center in Greenfield.