METRO Magazine Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

MBTA Receives Contract for Upgrades at South Station

The project will provide improved operational reliability to the MBTA’s nine Commuter Rail lines that terminate at South Station.

MBTA Receives Contract for Upgrades at South Station

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.

Photo: Edward Orde/Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

2 min to read


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.

Ad Loading...

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.

More Rail

A photo of an Amtrak train with a logo
Managementby Alex RomanJuly 24, 2026

Biz Briefs: STV teams with Amtrak, Motorcoach Operators Boost Fleet and Land Contracts, and More

From manufacturers and suppliers to transit agencies and motorcoach operators, these updates offer a snapshot of the projects, partnerships and business moves driving the industry forward.

Read More →
Metra Electric Line Vehicles
Railby Staff and News ReportsJuly 24, 2026

Metra Celebrates 100 Years of Electric Rail, Looks to the Future

The event was also a celebration of recent reforms to public transportation in the Chicago area, changes that could be as transformative in the future as the major civic achievement a century ago, said officials.

Read More →
LA Metro at State of the Agency event.
Managementby Alex RomanJuly 23, 2026

LA Metro Marks Banner Year, Sets Ambitious Goals for New Fiscal Year

Incoming LA Metro Board Chair and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass joined outgoing Board Chair Fernando Dutra and LA Metro CEO Stephanie Wiggins to review accomplishments from fiscal year 2026, which included the opening of new rail extensions, advancement of major transit projects, expanded safety programs, and new rider amenities.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Nathaniel P. Ford Sr., named President/CEO at DART
Managementby Alex RomanJuly 22, 2026

DART Taps Nathaniel P. Ford Sr. as Next President/CEO

Since 2012, Ford has served as the CEO of the Jacksonville Transportation Authority

Read More →
California High Speed Rail in High Desert Corridor
Railby Alex RomanJuly 21, 2026

California High-Speed Rail Authority Signs MOU to Advance High Desert Corridor

The agreement deepens collaboration between the California High-Speed Rail Authority and the High Desert Corridor Joint Powers Agency, supporting design integration, cost savings, and faster delivery of a key Southern California rail link.

Read More →
TechnologyJuly 20, 2026

Building the Next Generation of Transit Technology

In this edition of METROspectives, Luminator CEO Magnus Friberg discusses the company's transformation, the growing role of AI and software, and what's next for transit technology.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
What Transit Agencies Get Wrong About Data METROspectives episode with strada360's Steve Lassey
Sponsoredby Alex RomanJuly 20, 2026

How Data, Strategy, and Community Engagement Are Reshaping Transit

In this edition of METROspectives, strada360 CEO Steve Lassey discusses how transit agencies can better align planning with operations, leverage data to improve decision-making, and build public trust as they prepare for the future of mobility.

Read More →
TTC streetcar on tracks

TTC Launches Camera Pilot to Curb Illegal Passing of Streetcars

During the pilot, the cameras will measure how often illegal streetcar passing occurs and test the technology's reliability for future automated enforcement.

Read More →
An NJ TRANSIT River Line light rail vehicle.
Managementby Staff and News ReportsJuly 17, 2026

NJ TRANSIT Secures Capital Funding, Adopts FY2027 Budget

The budgets continue investments in infrastructure and equipment to maintain the system in a state of good repair and enhance the overall customer experience.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A rider validating a tap payment on a Masabi validator.
Technologyby Staff and News ReportsJuly 17, 2026

Biz Briefs: Masabi Teams with St. Louis Metro and More

In METRO's latest installment, we take a look at recent news from Transdev, Hitachi, and more partnerships making headlines across the transportation sector.

Read More →