MBTA to expand commuter rail in central Massachusetts

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) is expected to move forward with plans to expand commuter-rail service into central Massachusetts, according to a local media report posted on the MBTA's website.

The authority recently awarded a $22.9 million contract to S&R Construction Enterprises to build a Wachusett commuter-rail station in west Fitchburg and a $12.1 million Wachusett layover facility in Westminster, WCVB Channel 5 in Boston reported. The report attributed the information to MBTA General Manager Beverly Scott.

"We're very excited about this opportunity to offer passenger rail serve to another area of northern Worcester County," said Scott in the report.

Under the plan, the agency would extend service on the Fitchburg line about 4.5 miles west from its downtown Fitchburg terminal.

The agency's most recent commuter-rail expansion was the Greenbush Line, which opened in 2007, according to the news report.