MassDOT board OKs $210 million contract for South Coast Rail project

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation's (MassDOT) board on Wednesday awarded a a $210 million contract to Vanasse Hangen Brustlin (VHB)/HNTB Corp. for the South Coast Rail project. The contract officially advances the project from the planning stage to construction.

The 10-year pact for program and construction management awards $12 million in first-year to begin program management, early design development and environmental permitting, with additional awards in succeeding years up to the contract limit of $210 million, MassDOT officials said in a press release.

"South Coast Rail will be a game changer for the region, providing a reliable public transit option for residents and businesses of the South Coast," said Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick. "This historic project will help create new economic opportunity in communities along the rail corridor, opening up the area for the kind of growth we are seeing elsewhere throughout the commonwealth."

When completed, South Coast Rail will provide commuter service from New Bedford and Fall River to Boston South Station using the Northeast Corridor, Stoughton Commuter Rail Line, New Bedford Main Line and Fall River Secondary Line. The proposed service would be an electrified system extending from Canton Junction to New Bedford and Fall River.