BOSTON, MA — Amtrak was joined by leaders from the Massachusetts Department of Transportation, Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority, and Rail Passenger Association to celebrate the start of major construction on a new train maintenance facility in Boston, Massachusetts.
“The improvements that Amtrak is making to the Southampton Yard facility are an exciting step to enhance intercity passenger rail service along the Northeast Corridor," MassDOT Rail & Transit Administrator Meredith Slesinger said. “As Amtrak continues to improve service to the Commonwealth by introducing the new Airo fleet, this investment ensures that Massachusetts continues to play a central role in maintaining and advancing world-class rail operations. Through our Rail and Transit Division, MassDOT is proud to collaborate with Amtrak in strengthening infrastructure that delivers safer, faster, and more reliable service for passengers throughout the region.”
As it opens in phases through 2029, the maintenance facility will be used for daily inspections, service and cleaning, and more. This investment will improve the customer and employee experience by significantly speeding up train maintenance and reducing turnaround times, thanks to more modern maintenance practices.
The new 860-feet-long maintenance facility will encompass more than 60,000 square feet within the existing rail yard footprint, featuring a new two-bay Maintenance & Inspection (M&I) facility with inspection pits, drop tables, sanding systems, and fueling pads at each end, as well as a renovated two-track Service & Inspection (S&I) facility.
Additional upgrades include a new direct fixation track within the M&I and S&I areas; removal of existing and installation of new catenary (electric power) structures; new storage tracks for both MBTA commuter trains and Amtrak equipment; new retaining walls; utility relocations; yardmaster’s operations area; and more. No major customer impacts are expected due to this project.
