MA: South Coast Rail Middleboro route through Taunton to be complete by end of 2023, MBTA says

When the track is complete, it will be made up of 27 miles of track, four new stations — including one in East Taunton at 1141 County St.

Feb. 18—TAUNTON — Construction on the South Coast Rail, which is now 30 years in the making, is well underway, according to the MBTA.

At a town hall meeting earlier this month, program manager Jennifer Tabakin said they are currently undertaking construction work worth approximately $600 million, and that it began late last year.

"It's a sizable investment in the area and a real vote of confidence for the Commonwealth to invest as much money out the area," Tabakin said.

Jean Fox, director of community engagement, said that the MBTA plans to finish Phase 1 of the project, which extends commuter rail service on the Middleboro/Lakeville Line to New Bedford, Fall River and Taunton, by the end of 2023. This part of the project is fully funded through the state's Capital Investment Plan.

When the track is complete, it will be made up of 27 miles of track, four new stations — including one in East Taunton at 1141 County St.

So far, Fox said, early work clearing the right-of-way near the tracks and replacing four railroad bridges is nearly complete. She warned residents to stay away from the right-of-way as it will be dangerous during construction and service. The MBTA is working to notify all residents whose homes are near the right-of-way.

Kim Dobosz, director of construction, said that right now in Taunton, encroachments and demolition to prepare the right-of-way are going ahead. The East Taunton Station site is also being cleared.

The East Taunton Station, Fox said, will be a center island platform instead of a side platform station — the only one in Phase 1. It will have elevators, ramps and bridges, an 800-foot platform with four canopies, a transition plaza for bus stops and drop-offs, 363 parking spaces and bike parking.

When Phase 1 is finished, officials said, it should take 70 minutes to get to Boston by train. Additionally, they said, the project should increase property values and increased development in the area as a result should lower the tax burden on residents.

Fox said that construction should pick up even more this spring.

"Coronavirus is temporary, but the need for service in this area is essential," she said.