![]() I try to not to get too far ahead of myself on that,” he said. “I’m one of the guys who think most things are one step at a time. He said that doing the options analysis is the first step in determining the viability of the idea. Mayor Domenic Sarno also joined him.īaker did note the upcoming MassDOT report on the six possible plans for establishing passenger rail linking Pittsfield, Springfield and Boston as “the first detailed options analysis on east-west rail that’s ever been done.” He stopped short of endorsing the concept of additional passenger rail service.īaker made his remarks at a press conference announcing the new platform on Jan. He credited Congressman Richard Neal, who was also in attendance, as being a “huge champion” in the redevelopment of Union Station. “This platform is one more piece of the puzzle,” Baker said. Charlie Baker said the completion of the new platform at Union Station represents part of the $80 million invested in the rehabilitation of the historic train station. The renovations to Union Station are projected to cost roughly $45 million, and construction has been ongoing since last fall.SPRINGFIELD – If the people attending the press conference introducing the new rail platform at Union Station were expecting more news about east-west passenger rail service, they might have been disappointed. "That is coordinated here to ensure that it supports and is consistent with the investments we're making here so that we can build together." "Together, we have applied for a $135 million to add two trains that will go west to east and east to west, connecting all parts of the Commonwealth through Worcester," Tesler said. It's a city that offers a lot of opportunity for people and families to be able to afford a good home, a good education for their kids and a good quality of life."Ģ020 census data shows Worcester is the fastest-growing major city in New England, and with modern rail infrastructure on the way, Tesler and MassDOT see statewide opportunities. "It was in a trajectory of growth before the pandemic, and since the pandemic it's continuing to grow. "This is a fast-growing city," said Polito. ![]() "As the 'Heart of the Commonwealth,' it is so important for Worcester to be what it really should be, which is the economic pulse of transportation here," said state Sen. By this time next year, there's hope it could finally house the necessary infrastructure to bridge the rail gap between Springfield and Boston. "Transportation, connectivity and mobility are key pieces of how people choose where they live."įor years, Union Station hasn't exactly been a bustling transportation hub, despite its prime location in the heart of Massachusetts. ![]() "1911 was a long time ago, and it's obviously time not only to preserve the historic elements of this building, but to enhance it and modernize it so it can serve Worcester today, and more importantly, where it is heading," Polito said. ![]() With boosted capacity and more efficient service now on the horizon, Polito believes the symbol of Worcester's past will finally be able to keep up with the city's modern needs. The project is expected to be completed in roughly a year, and additions will include a new center platform to accommodate more than one train at a time, infrastructure upgrades, a pedestrian bridge and accessibility improvements to the commuter parking area.Ĭurrently, Union Station is the only stop on the Worcester/Framingham line that can only serve one train at a time. Karyn Polito and Transportation Secretary Jamey Tesler. State and local officials believe Union Station will be able to grow with the city once renovations are completeĪ handful of state and local leaders stopped by Union Station on Tuesday to celebrate the milestone, including Lt.Last week, MassDOT applied for funding to run two additional trains between Worcester and Springfield.Additions will include a new center platform, infrastructure upgrades, a pedestrian bridge and more.Renovations to Worcester's Union Station are now halfway completed. ![]()
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