Massachusetts to revitalize “Knowledge Corridor”

Written by jrood

Massachusetts state officials and transportation leaders unveiled plans for the revitalization of the "Knowledge Corridor" along the Connecticut River rail line in western Massachusetts. The project, funded by $73 million in federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act grants, will create more than 360 construction jobs in the region. "The Knowledge Corridor project is a signature investment in Massachusetts, creating hundreds of jobs while making historic improvements in rail access across the Pioneer Valley," said Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick. On June 30, 2011, MassDOT signed the agreements with the Federal Railroad Administration to proceed with the Knowledge Corridor project to revitalize the existing Connecticut River rail line, which runs from Connecticut through Massachusetts to Vermont. The project will restore Amtrak's Vermonter train service to the line, providing a more direct route, faster service and restored access to the cities of Greenfield and Northampton. Revitalization of the Knowledge Corridor route will restore the original route of the Vermonter traveling between St. Albans, Vermont and Washington, DC. The project is expected to begin in 2012 and be completed in approximately two years. "Thanks to the support of our state and federal partners, work is now underway on this critical rail project, delivering much-needed improvements to passenger rail service, while providing new transportation options and economic opportunities for the region," said Federal Railroad Administrator Joseph C. Szabo. The improvements to the Knowledge Corridor will occur on the Connecticut River mainline of the Pan Am Southern railroad, a joint venture between Pan Am Railways and Norfolk Southern to improve freight service for customers along the line and within western Massachusetts. MassDOT has designated the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority's Design and Construction Department to oversee the implementation of the project through final design and construction and entered into a Construction Agreement with Pan Am Southern, LLC, to construct the project.  

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