Governor Healey Announces $140 Million in Federal Funding for Haverhill Line Improvements

Governor Healey today announced that the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) has won $139.6 million from the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) to make major improvements to the Haverhill Commuter Rail line, helping deliver faster, safer and more reliable service for thousands of riders every day.

The funding will support the final design and construction of the Haverhill Double-Track Project, a major upgrade project that will add approximately 6.8 miles of new track between Reading and Andover to allow trains traveling in opposite directors to keep moving instead of waiting for one another. The project will also upgrade four stations in Reading, North Wilmington, Ballardvale and Andover with high-level platforms, to make those stations more accessible, and will modernize signals to improve safety at 15 rail crossings.

"Since taking office, we've made historic investments to turn the T around, and riders are seeing the difference with fewer slow zones and more reliable service," said Governor Maura Healey. "Now we're keeping that momentum going. This $140 million award will help us make major improvements to the Haverhill Line that mean fewer delays, safer and more accessible stations, and better service for riders. We're grateful to our federal delegation for helping us bring this funding home to Massachusetts."

"This $140 million investment is not only going to make major safety, reliability, and accessibility impact along the Haverhill Commuter Rail Line, but it will also directly support Amtrak Downeaster operations and freight rail," said Interim Secretary and MBTA General Manager Phillip Eng. "New double track gives us more operational flexibility and the ability to decrease commute time along the line. Upgrading four stations with high-level platforms is another step closer to a fully accessible MBTA system, and modernizing our signals will help to move trains more safely and reliably through the intercity area. Improving freight allows for more efficient movement of goods and helps to control costs for the public. I'm grateful for the leadership of Governor Healey to make these continued improvements possible and for our Congressional Delegation, MassDOT, and the MBTA for advocating for this funding with the foresight that it will have benefits for decades to come. I also want to thank the Federal Railroad Administration for their partnership and ability to move this project forward and through construction."

"This is a big win that will mean fewer delays and smoother rides for Massachusetts commuters," said Senator Elizabeth Warren. "I fought hard to bring this funding home alongside state partners because investments like this are exactly how we build and strengthen our transportation system across Massachusetts."

"Double lines deserve double track-I'm proud to have worked with Governor Healey, Secretary Eng, our federal delegation, and state and local leaders to secure this funding for the Haverhill line," said Senator Edward J. Markey. "By eliminating bottlenecks and improving both Commuter Rail and Amtrak service north of Boston, we can open our region to commuters, families, and visitors alike, better connecting our Commonwealth and northern New England. I'm honored to deliver real, tangible rail benefits to Massachusetts and beyond, and I won't stop advocating for transformative investments in our state's transportation system."

"This is a significant federal investment in the future of commuter rail across the Merrimack Valley. This funding will deliver faster, more reliable service for riders in Haverhill, Lawrence, and communities throughout the region, along with safer crossings and modernized stations that are fully accessible to seniors and riders with disabilities," said Congresswoman Lori Trahan. "I've been proud to fight alongside Governor Healey for federal funding like this because Massachusetts families deserve a transit system they can count on."

"This is a tremendous milestone for the Merrimack Valley and the culmination of more than a decade of advocacy to secure the funding needed for critical track and station improvements," said Senator Barry R. Finegold. "For years, local leaders, residents, and stakeholders have worked together to make the case that investing in our rail infrastructure is essential to the future of our region. I want to thank Senator Markey, Governor Healey, Congresswoman Lori Trahan, and the MBTA for their partnership and commitment in making this investment a reality. These improvements will not only enhance safety, but also create the opportunity for increased train service throughout the Merrimack Valley, helping to ease traffic congestion and shorten commutes for thousands of residents. Better public transportation connects people to jobs, educational opportunities, and economic growth, strengthening our communities and improving quality of life for families across the region."

"This is tremendous news for the 32nd Middlesex District and the larger region," said Representative Kate Lipper-Garabedian. "The Haverhill Commuter Rail Line is a critical asset for residents, whether they are daily commuters or occasional riders. The upgrades made possible from this significant public investment - including double tracks and station upgrades - will decrease delays and enhance reliability, safety, and rider experience."

What This Means for Riders

Today, parts of the Haverhill Line have only one track, which means a train sometimes has to wait for another train traveling in the opposite direction to pass. If there is a problem with a train or the track, that single-track section can also cause delays to ripple across the line.
This project will add nearly seven miles of second track between Reading and Andover, allowing trains to move in both directions at the same time and giving the MBTA more options to keep service moving when problems arise. It will also make it easier for crews to perform maintenance without disrupting service or requiring shuttle buses.

Approximately 10 miles of new fencing will also be installed along the corridor between Andover and Reading to help prevent unauthorized access to the tracks.

The project will also make Reading, North Wilmington, Ballardvale and Andover stations more accessible by adding high-level platforms that allow riders to step directly between the platform and train. The MBTA will improve signals at 15 rail crossings, eliminate the Tewksbury Street crossing in Andover and install approximately 10 miles of new fencing to improve safety along the tracks.

The improvements will benefit not only MBTA Commuter Rail riders but also Amtrak's Downeaster service, which operates between Boston and Brunswick, Maine, and CSX freight service. By removing delays and increasing capacity, the project will strengthen passenger and freight rail connections throughout the region and support future improvements to rail service.

The Haverhill Line investment is the latest step in Governor Healey's work to transform transportation across Massachusetts. Since taking office, she has made improving the MBTA a top priority by investing in the workforce, infrastructure and service needed to make the system safer and more reliable for riders. Those investments are delivering results. The MBTA has eliminated slow zones, increased service, strengthened its workforce and moved forward with major projects to replace aging tracks, signals, stations and other infrastructure across the system. Additionally, last year the MBTA opened South Coast Rail, restoring rail service to New Bedford, Fall River and Taunton for the first time in 65 years.

Governor Healey is also working to make Commuter Rail more affordable and encourage more people to ride. Last month, she announced new and extended discounts for the fall, including 50 percent off all monthly Commuter Rail passes from September through November and the extension of the $1 companion fare, which allows monthly passholders to bring a friend or family member with them for $1 on weekends and holidays through November. New fare improvements include free transfers between subway and bus and between buses within a two-hour window, a simpler and consistent bus fare across the system, and free bus rides for Massachusetts residents age 75 and older.

Together, these efforts are focused on giving riders a better T today while making the investments needed for the future. On the Haverhill Line, the new federal funding will address a longstanding bottleneck, improve stations and safety, and build the infrastructure needed for more reliable Commuter Rail service for years to come.