MBTA Receives Contract for Upgrades at South Station

The MBTA Board of Directors announced it has awarded a construction contract of over $98 million to upgrade the tracks, switches, and signals at South Station. This will result in improvements to the Commuter Rail and Amtrak train service into and out of the station, according to the agency's news release.

The project will provide improved operational reliability to the MBTA’s nine Commuter Rail lines that terminate at South Station as well as Amtrak’s Northeast Corridor and Lake Shore Limited services.

When complete, the project at South Station will address the immediate state-of-good-repair needs of current train service while also supporting the future growth of both the MBTA and Amtrak through numerous upgrades to track, signals, communications, and interlocking infrastructure.

In addition to track and signal work, this project includes the installation of a new master signal house, a new backup generator, inverter, and transformer system; switch heaters as well as electrical and signal cable trough systems; new LED lighting of the track and overhead wire areas; and provide new security systems, including cameras and fencing.  

The contract, which was awarded to Middlesex Corporation, will be funded through a combination of sources including $41.2 million from the Federal Railroad Administration State of Good Repair Grant as well as additional funds from the MBTA and Amtrak. 

Under the project schedule, work is expected to begin in April and will reach substantial completion in late 2027 with final completion anticipated in spring 2028.