CSX Supports New Planned Flyover for Rail Crossing in Massachusetts
Written by Jennifer McLawhorn, Managing Editor
David C. Lester
WEST SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – Funding has been made available for the construction of a flyover for a CSX rail crossing in Massachusetts.
MassDOT Rail & Transit Administrator Meredith Slesinger, West Springfield Mayor William C. Reichelt, Agawam Mayor Christopher Johnson, Congressman Richard E. Neal, and state and local officials announced funding for the construction of a flyover across the Front Street rail crossing as well as a roadway configuration to connect Bridge and Second Streets located in West Springfield.
The intersection sees close to 8,000 vehicles daily as one of three connecting roads between the two municipalities (Agawam and West Springfield). The current infrastructure has caused freight operations in the area to impede the ability of emergency vehicles to travel freely. The project seeks to convert two highway-rail grade crossings to a railroad-under grade separation via constructing an overpass along a new roadway alignment. According to the release, the project is “located just over one mile west of the West Springfield, Massachusetts CSX Transportation (CSX) Intermodal Terminal along the Boston & Albany railroad corridor,” leading to “inefficiencies to rail yard operations” and blocked crossings “as trains arriving at the facility are switched and sorted.”
Partnering with MassDOT, CSX, and the towns of West Springfield and Agawam, the $20+ million project will be made possible through federal funding from the Railway-Highway Crossings (Section 130) Program and a $2 million funding commitment from CSX. The Class I announced its support for the project on LinkedIn. Additionally, the project will be funded through state and local sources.
CSX Regional Vice President of State Relations, Maurice O’Connell said, “CSX has a long history of supporting infrastructure projects to improve freight and passenger rail service in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. . . Closing the at-grade crossings and constructing an overpass will enhance public safety and ensure a free flow of traffic unhindered by normal rail operations. We appreciate Congressman Neal and the Massachusetts Department of Transportation for their partnership on this important project to relieve the transportation challenges that currently exist at First and Front Street in West Springfield.”
“MassDOT is thrilled to advance this important project in support of West-East rail service that will enhance safety, improve railroad operations, and reduce roadway congestion in partnership with West Springfield, Agawam, and CSX,” said MassDOT Rail & Transit Administrator Meredith Slesinger. “We especially appreciate CSX’s $2 million contribution to the project and their continued partnership in advancing the Commonwealth’s Compass Rail program.”
