MBTA Awards Contract for Track, Signal Upgrades at South Station

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The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority Board of Directors approved a $98 million construction contract with Middlesex Corporation on March 23 to upgrade the tracks, switches, and signals at South Station.

The planned work is intended to increase the reliability and resilience of commuter rail and Amtrak operations into and out of the station. The project aims to improve operational reliability for the MBTA’s nine commuter rail lines that conclude at South Station, as well as Amtrak’s Northeast Corridor and Lake Shore Limited services, a release said. 

When completed, the South Station project will address urgent state-of-good-repair needs while supporting future development of both the MBTA and Amtrak through extensive modifications to track, signals, communications, and interlocking infrastructure, MBTA said. 

The project also calls for 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 will be paid in part by a $41.2 million Federal Railroad Administration State of Good Repair Grant as well as funding from the MBTA and Amtrak. Work is set to kick off in April and reach substantial completion in late 2027. Final completion of the project is anticipated in the spring of 2028.