The South Coast Rail (SCR) project stands as a testament to both transportation progress and renewed economic vitality. Over many years, innovative and focused stakeholder engagement facilitated the project moving from an idea to reality with the start of service. VHB proudly assisted the Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority (MBTA) and the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) throughout the project's evolution.
SCR reinstated passenger rail service between Boston and southeastern Massachusetts for the first time since the late 1950s. This complex venture involved a wide array of stakeholders, including seven municipalities, various local, state, and federal agencies, and numerous other interested parties.
First conceived in the early 1990s, the SCR project has been meticulously developed in phases. To date, it includes 37 miles of track, six stations, two layover facilities, 14 bridges, 86 culverts, 27 grade crossings, a pedestrian bridge, and a new signal and communications system. Once fully realized, this project will deliver reliable, transfer-free passenger rail service from South Station in Boston to New Bedford, Fall River, Taunton, and Freetown.
Since its inception, MBTA and MassDOT have relied on VHB as a key partner for smooth transitions from permitting, planning, and design through to construction and service implementation. VHB's role was pivotal in advancing the SCR project through the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act (MEPA) approval processes in 2011. During this phase, VHB introduced innovative strategies, including evaluations of commuter rail profitability and land-use planning for corridor communities. We also established a pioneering approach by forming a partnering working group with key regulatory authorities during the alternatives analysis and permitting phases, and a regional task force involving municipalities and stakeholders like business coalitions to help drive program development and capitalize on regional opportunities.
VHB's tenure as Program Manager began in 2014, where we developed the phasing and packaging strategy alongside preliminary design components. Our comprehensive expertise extended to preparing environmental permits under various regulatory frameworks and leading Section 106 reviews of the National Historic Preservation Act. VHB's extensive consultation activities included working with the State Historic Preservation Officer, Native American tribes, municipalities, and other stakeholders. Our dedication to natural resource protection involved surveys for listed species, compensatory wetland design, and creating wildlife crossing structures.
In Phase 1, extending the Middleborough/Lakeville commuter rail service to Taunton, Fall River, and New Bedford, VHB transitioned to Designer of Record. We completed the final design, permits, and provided construction phase services, including environmental monitoring. VHB continues to lead the way by preparing conceptual designs and permitting strategies for the next phases of the SCR program.
VHB is proud of the transformative impact the project will have on the entire South Coast Region, delivering both enhanced transportation options and significant economic vitality.
