Briefing: CSX And Commuter Rail
Rick Saia
The CSX yard in Worcester.
Last month, Lt. Gov. Timothy P. Murray released a progress report on the state's efforts to take over more commuter rail lines while moving the operations of freight rail hauler CSX Corp. from Allston to three sites west of Interstate 495. One of the sites is in Worcester, between Franklin and Shrewsbury streets, just east of Union Station.
When will this change occur?
The report said the agreements with CSX will be completed this month. Robert Sullivan, a spokesman for CSX, said the transition will really get underway in November.
CSX expects to begin moving bulk commodity operations from Allston to Westborough soon and the intermodal freight to Worcester later this year. "The phased relocation will ensure that the terminals are ready to function and that the transitions occur with little or no disruption to commuter or freight operations," a company statement said.
What are the financial terms?
The state will pay CSX $100 million to assume control of about 92 miles of rail lines throughout the state, nearly half — 45 — along the Framingham-Worcester commuter line. According to Murray's report, CSX is investing $129 million at the three rail yards (Worcester, Westborough and West Springfield) to expand and enhance freight services throughout the commonwealth. In addition, the state and CSX are making adjustments to 31 bridges between Worcester and the New York border to allow for double-stacking of full-size freight containers. The state is investing $72 million to raise clearances at 14 of those bridges.
How will this impact CSX operations in Worcester?
The yard processes about 110,000 intermodal containers annually, a number that is expected to grow to 150,000 in the short term; 200,000 long term, according to Murray.
How will this impact commuter rail?
The report said the deal will allow the MBTA to increase the number of round-trip trains between Worcester and Boston from 12 to 20 each weekday. With added service, Murray projects ridership on the line will increase about 30 percent by 2030. More than one-third of those who ride the line today board trains on the five stations west of Framingham - Ashland, Southborough, Westborough, Grafton and Union Station in Worcester - according to the report.
Read more
Editorial: Cost Pressures In Health Care; Tilting At Airplanes?
State Closes CSX Deal, Expands 'T' Service
Editorial: Biggest Benefit Of CSX Deal Is Freight Transportation
Worcester's Bond Ratings Upgraded
WBJ Web Partners
Most Recent
Most Recent
0 Comments