Springfield, MA – The Healey administration confirmed Friday that a $130 million federal grant from the Federal Railroad Administration’s Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) program will fund the Springfield Hub Modernization Project. The money will be used to upgrade tracks, signals and other infrastructure at Union Station, creating the capacity needed for expanded passenger service on the Amtrak Vermonter, Hartford Line and Valley Flyer routes.
State and federal partnership
MassDOT secured the funding through the FY 2025‑2026 CRISI grant, a competitive program that supports rail safety and capacity projects nationwide. Governor Healey called the award “a major win for Western Massachusetts and a big step forward for West‑East Rail,” emphasizing the project’s potential to reduce congestion, improve transportation options and connect more families to jobs and housing.
West‑East Rail vision
The Springfield Hub Modernization is a key early phase of the broader West‑East Rail proposal, a long‑term plan to link Albany, Springfield, Boston and other regional centers with reliable passenger train service. Senator Ed Markey praised the investment, saying it will lower travel costs, ease traffic and open new economic opportunities for communities across the Commonwealth.
Local impact
Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno highlighted the project’s importance for the city’s economic development, noting that a faster, more frequent rail connection will support housing growth and attract businesses. Currently, only one Amtrak train runs daily between Albany and Boston, a journey of more than five hours. The upgraded hub is expected to enable multiple daily trips, shortening travel times and making rail a viable alternative to driving.
The construction phase will create jobs in the region, with contractors and suppliers poised to benefit from the influx of federal dollars. The Healey administration previously secured $108 million for the Inland Route, which will connect Boston, Springfield and New Haven, and plans to add two daily Amtrak trips on that corridor by 2030.
Future timeline
While the $130 million grant funds the initial modernization, the full West‑East Rail network is projected to be completed by 2045. Additional state and federal investments will be needed to extend service to Albany and Boston, but officials say the momentum generated by this grant signals strong bipartisan support for expanding rail in the region.
Beyond Springfield, the governor’s office is also backing upgrades to rail lines in Pittsfield, including a permanent seasonal Berkshire Flyer service and expanded passenger options throughout western Massachusetts. These efforts collectively aim to create a more connected, prosperous Commonwealth that offers families reliable, affordable transportation options.
Original reporting: NBC10 Boston — read the source article.
