Freight trains moving to a night schedule: The latest on South Coast Rail in 60 seconds

Dan Medeiros, The Herald News
·2 min read
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Residents living close to the South Coast Rail routes from East Taunton to Fall River and New Bedford may soon notice some late runs.

Starting next week, freight operator Massachusetts Coastal Railroad will be restarting freight operations in the evening to allow for work on the commuter rail lines.

Here’s what’s happening, and other South Coast Rail updates, in 60 seconds:

Ground was broken in July 2019 in Freetown for the five-year, $8 billion South Coast Rail project to bring commuter rail from Boston to Taunton, Fall River and New Bedford. [MBTA file photo]
Ground was broken in July 2019 in Freetown for the five-year, $8 billion South Coast Rail project to bring commuter rail from Boston to Taunton, Fall River and New Bedford. [MBTA file photo]

What’s this about freight trains in the evening?

According to the MBTA, Massachusetts Coastal Railroad will be moving its freight operations to 5 p.m. to midnight weekdays starting Monday, March 11.

This applies only to the South Coast Rail lines that run from East Taunton to Fall River and New Bedford – the line between East Taunton and Middleboro will not be affected. Abutters to the lines in that area can expect to see freight trains pass through later than usual.

Has this happened before?

Yes – MCRR has had to shift its operations to evenings multiple times during the last few years of construction.

What about detours for South Coast Rail construction?

The pedestrian bridge over Route 18 in New Bedford is still under construction; detours on Route 18 and the nearby roads are expected to continue Monday, March 18, including:

  • Purchase Street between Pearl and Willis

  • Near the MassHire Greater New Bedford Career Center on Acushnet Avenue

  • Route 18 at the Purchase Street exit

Which South Coast Rail stations are still being built?

Work is ongoing at:

  • Middleborough Station (161 S. Main St., Middleboro)

  • East Taunton Station (1141 County St., Taunton)

  • Wamsutta Layover Facility (217 Herman Melville Blvd., New Bedford)

  • Church Street Station (387 Church St., New Bedford)

  • New Bedford Station (536 Acushnet Ave.)

The stations in Fall River and Freetown are complete.

When can I actually ride South Coast Rail?

The last update from MBTA officials suggested South Coast Rail would be ready for customers in the middle of 2024.

Dan Medeiros can be reached at dmedeiros@heraldnews.com. Support local journalism by purchasing a digital or print subscription to The Herald News today.

This article originally appeared on The Herald News: South Coast Rail: Freight operator again moving to night schedule