Infrastructure Status Report on Freight

After waning for many decades the rail system in Massachusetts is positioned to take on a new role in the state’s transportation system.  Abandonment of light density lines, single tracking of main lines to reduce maintenance costs, and the diminishing manufacturing sector had reduced rail market share to less than 10%.  Today increased fuel costs, driver shortages, and ever increasing highway congestion have slowed this downward spiral.  Railroads are now aggressively marketing inter-modal services, placing trailers and containers on flat cars and developing new markets and services.

This is the Massachusetts Infrastructure Investment Coalition Report on Freight

The Massachusetts Infrastructure Investment Coalition is identifying the long-term needs for infrastructure investments to support economic development and improve the quality of life for the citizens of Massachusetts.  The Infrastructure Status Report for Massachusetts Freight Railroads was prepared to provide information about the investment requirements for Massachusetts railroad system.  The coalition is currently preparing status reports for other infrastructure elements including: Aviation, Bridges, Dams, Drinking Water, Energy, Government Facilities, Hazardous Waste, Homeland Security, Housing, Navigable Waterways, Ports and Harbors, Roadways, Schools, Transit (Rapid/Bus/Commuter Rail), Telecommunications and Wastewater.  Reports published to date are available here.