South Coast Rail is gaining steam, with key stations in the project almost complete, according to officials at the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority.
The project, which will connect Fall River, New Bedford and Taunton with Boston by MBTA commuter rail, is still on track for a summer 2024 opening.
The South Coast Rail project will feature six new stations for passengers: Middleborough, East Taunton, Freetown, Fall River Depot, Church Street and New Bedford. Two layover stations have also been built, which are facilities to house MBTA crews and equipment and store trains when not in use: Weaver’s Cove in Fall River and Wamsutta in New Bedford.
The Freetown and Fall River Depot stations have been completed since 2022.
Here are the latest milestones, construction updates and warnings:
When will the Taunton and New Bedford stations be done?
Very soon. According to Lisa Battiston, deputy press secretary at the MBTA, the remainder of the stations to be constructed for the South Coast Rail project are nearly there.