Ready for Rail: A Look at 2023's Big Projects
Prepare the giant scissors and ready the extra-long ribbons North America transit agencies are set to open 320 miles of new rail service by the end of 2023. Following well documented delays due to supply chain and pandemic related issues, this year appears to be the year projects get back on track pun intended as the industry prepares to a boom of new rail projects to be delivered during the next three years.
By the end of 2023, there could be as many as 12 rail transit projects open if final testing and project reviews go according to plan. Heres a look at where ribbons could be cut and where riders could start to board this year.
LIRR begins service to Grand Central Madison
The year started off strong with the delivery of the Metropolitan Transportation Authoritys (MTA) largest capital project: Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) service to Grand Central Madison. The project, also referred to as East Side Access, involved the construction of more than 40 miles of new tracks, rebuilt Harold Interlocking and opened Grand Central Madison as a new terminal to accommodate LIRR trains.
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Honolulu aiming for summer opening
One of the most anticipated rail projects that could open in 2023 is the first segment of the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportations (HART) rail line. Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi dedicated a portion of his State of the City speech delivered in mid-March to the project where he shared it should be operational in July 2023.
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South Coast Rail returns rail service
Following a decades long absence, commuter rail will return to Middleborough, East Taunton, Freetown, Fall River and New Bedford, Mass., with the opening of Phase 1 of Massachusetts Department of Transportations (MassDOT) South Coast Rail late in 2023. Phase 1 will provide a one-seat trip from southeastern Massachusetts to Boston in less than 90 minutes. ....................(more)
https://www.masstransitmag.com/rail/article/53056323/ready-for-rail-a-look-at-2023s-big-projects