Massachusetts Wins $30 Million to Improve Rail Safety in West Springfield and Advance West-East Rail

Massachusetts Wins $30 Million to Improve Rail Safety in West Springfield and Advance West-East Rail

Award brings the total federal funding awarded for Compass Rail to over $320 million

WEST SPRINGFIELD – Governor Maura Healey’s administration and Congressman Richard Neal today announced that Massachusetts has secured $30 million in federal funding for critical rail infrastructure improvements in West Springfield that will improve safety and reliability and reduce traffic delays. The funding, awarded to the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) through the Federal Railroad Administration's Railroad Crossing Elimination Grant (RCE) Program, will support the Front and First Street Grade Crossing Elimination Project and continue to lay the groundwork for West-East Rail.

Congressman Neal, MassDOT leadership and local officials celebrated the award in West Springfield this afternoon which brings the total federal funding awarded for Compass Rail to over $320 million.

"We’re working every day to bring home funding for Massachusetts communities that will enhance safety and improve quality of life," said Governor Healey. "This award will allow us to make badly needed improvements in West Springfield that will make train service safer and more reliable while also reducing traffic congestion. It’s the latest example of how we’re leaning into transportation improvements in Western Massachusetts and delivering West-East Rail. I’m grateful for the leadership of our Congressional delegation and MassDOT to secure this funding and deliver for our communities."

"For those who have lived in Agawam or West Springfield, they know the challenges and inconvenience posed by this crossing. That's why I'm pleased to join with MassDOT, CSX, and the Towns of Agawam and West Springfield to announce $30.3 million in federal funding that will address a longstanding issue, as we further our efforts to make West-East Rail a reality," said Congressman Richard E. Neal. "This is the third significant announcement as it relates to rail this month, having previously celebrated a $130 million CRISI grant for the Springfield Hub Modernization Project at Union Station, and breaking ground on rail infrastructure improvements in Pittsfield that will make the Berkshire Flyer permanent and lay the groundwork for expanded passenger rail with West-East Rail. With this $30.3 million grant for the Front Street Flyover, this marks more than $300 million that has come to western and central Massachusetts through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, legislation I was proud to help write as Chairman of the Ways and Means Committee. This is a great day for these communities, and I am grateful to the Healey-Driscoll Administration for continuing to bring many of these projects that once seemed unattainable to fruition."

"It is great news that the Front Street Flyover Project is set to receive over $30 million dollars in federal funding assistance," said Agawam Mayor Chris Johnson. The project is key to eliminating traffic congestion, which will benefit first responders and residents. This is another example of Congressman Neal delivering for his district. Many thanks go out to Richie for his leadership on this important project."

"With this latest $30 million award, we will stay on track to make Western Massachusetts the rail investment capital of the United States," said Senator Edward J. Markey. "We’re making rail crossings like Front and First Street in West Springfield safer for rail and road users alike. I’m grateful for the partnership with Governor Healey, Senator Warren, Congressman Neal, and our state and local partners. We’re on an express route to a Commonwealth more safely and efficiently connected by rail."

"The Front and First Street grade crossing project has been a priority for West Springfield for years, and this federal funding brings us one step closer to making it a reality," said Senator John Velis. "Anyone who travels through this area understands the challenges these crossings can create. By improving safety and reducing delays, this investment will deliver meaningful benefits for residents, businesses, and visitors across western Massachusetts."

"For years, West Springfield and Agawam residents have waited at the Front and First Street crossings for trains to clear, causing late arrivals, frustrated drivers, and real concerns about emergency response times," said State Representative Michael J. Finn. "This $30 million investment is a major step toward fixing this problem and making travel more reliable for our communities. I’m grateful to the Healey-Driscoll Administration, MassDOT, and our federal partners for recognizing how important this corridor is to public safety and the regional economy."

"Securing a $30 million federal investment reflects the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s commitment to delivering transportation projects that make a difference in the lives of people across western Massachusetts," Interim Secretary of Transportation and MBTA General Manager Phil Eng. "I want to thank our congressional delegation, our Rail and Transit and Highway Division teams and all of the partners that have helped us on this project. This investment is about improving safety, strengthening connectivity, reducing travel times, and making it easier for residents, visitors and businesses to get to where they need to go. By investing in our rail and transportation network, we are investing in the quality of life and economic vitality of our communities."

"This element of our Compass Rail program provides critical safety improvements for all who travel through this area," said MassDOT Rail and Transit Administrator Meredith Slesinger. "We’re grateful to CSX for their $2 million contribution toward the project as we enhance safety for roadway users and invest in growing passenger and freight rail service."

"The Railroad Crossing Elimination Grant Program represents an important investment in making our transportation infrastructure safer and more reliable for everyone," said Meghan Haggerty, Interim State Highway Administrator. "By improving roadway infrastructure at rail crossings, we can reduce potential conflicts between vehicles and trains, strengthen connections between our roadway and rail networks, and get residents where they need to go safely and efficiently." 

"The Healey-Driscoll Administration is committed to competing for every available federal dollar to strengthen our transportation infrastructure and deliver lasting benefits for Massachusetts communities," said Quentin Palfrey, Director of Federal Funds and Infrastructure. "This $30 million award is a testament to the strong collaboration between our federal, state, and local partners and will help address a longstanding challenge in West Springfield. By eliminating these rail crossings, we’re making a smart investment that will better connect neighborhoods, support the movement of goods, and help keep people and our economy moving."

The Front and First Street Grade Crossing Elimination Project will replace two railroad crossings with a new roadway overpass, allowing vehicles and pedestrians to travel without waiting for trains to pass. Located near the CSX Intermodal Terminal in West Springfield, these crossings are frequently blocked by trains entering and leaving the facility, sometimes multiple times a day. The project will reduce these delays while supporting more efficient freight operations. It is a partnership between MassDOT's Rail and Transit Division and the Highway Division.

The project is part of MassDOT's Compass Rail program, which aims to expand passenger rail service across Massachusetts, including West-East Rail connections between Boston, Springfield and Pittsfield. This award builds on Governor Healey’s efforts to improve transportation infrastructure and secure federal funding for Massachusetts. Earlier this month, MassDOT won $130 million for track improvements in Springfield to expand rail service across the state, including West-East Rail.