FALL RIVER, Mass. (WPRI) — Construction of the South Coast Rail is full steam ahead, despite the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (DOT) continuously pushing back the project’s timeline.
Fall River Mayor Paul Coogan said he’s been told the commuter rail connecting southeastern Massachusetts to Boston is expected to be ready by May or June.
“It was supposed to be December,” Coogan told 12 News. “We got pushed back again , and every time we get pushed back, I cry a little more. We just want to get it done.”
Construction in Fall River is nearly complete, according to Coogan, but he believes there is more work being done further down the tracks.
MassDOT said it’s coming to the end of Phase 1 of the project.
When the rail is finally finished, Coogan believes it will not only draw people from Boston to Fall River, but also help people avoid a grisly commute.
“That ride is horrific when you get on the Southeast Expressway,” Coogan explained.
“I think this will be where you can sit with a laptop or your phone, work on your way up, grab a cup of coffee and have a little more of a relaxed day,” he added.