Officials kick off $17.4-million MBTA Haverhill Rail ARRA project

February 14, 2001 As part of the Patrick-Murray Administration's Massachusetts Recovery Plan to support economic development by strengthening public transit and rail service, Congresswoman Niki Tsongas joined MassDOT Secretary and CEO Jeffrey Mullan to announce the groundbreaking of the $17.4-million Haverhill Commuter Rail Project funded by the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act. The project complements a $50-million ARRA-funded double-tracking and rail improvement project on the Fitchburg commuter rail line.

"We have made it a priority
to invest in maintenance and repair projects like this one that will improve
the experience for commuter rail and transit riders throughout the
Commonwealth," said Governor Patrick.

"Our administration is
committed to improving our rail infrastructure and commuter rail customer
service," said Lieutenant Governor Timothy Murray. "Thanks to the
support of our congressional delegation and the Recovery Act funds, we will
strengthen commuter rail service along the Haverhill line, offering more
service for residents as well as economic and community development in the
region."

"These Recovery Act
funds will create jobs by improving our public transportation infrastructure
and decreasing commute times for residents along the Haverhill line," said
Congresswoman Niki Tsongas. "This is an excellent investment and I want to
thank Governor Patrick and Lt. Governor Murray for their continued efforts to
derive the broadest benefit for the Commonwealth from these federal
funds."

"This project will
greatly improve the reliability of the Haverhill Commuter Rail Line and provide
riders with much better on – time performance in their daily commutes, "
said Mary Beth Mello, FTA Deputy Regional Administrator.

The ARRA project will
improve reliability and service for Haverhill commuter rail line customers with
the installation of a double-track along the Haverhill line and improvements to
the train control systems that have affected on-time performance. It has
already resulted in 12 new construction jobs to help complete the required
work.

The double-track will allow
trains to use a new second track to maneuver around disabled trains and
maintain service near scheduled levels. New signal systems and track circuits
will enhance system reliability and safety for passengers and at crossing
through neighboring cities and towns.

The Haverhill/Reading Line
runs north from downtown Boston through the cities and towns of Malden,
Melrose, Wakefield, Reading, Wilmington, Andover, Lawrence, North Andover and
Haverhill. Completion of the double-track work is slated for December 2010,
with the signal project to begin in 2011.