MBTA commuter rail project clears big hurdle

Railway Age, Feb, 2005

In a 120-page report, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has given its environmental approval to the Massachusetts Bay Area Transportation Authority's planned restoration of commuter rail service in the Greenbush Corridor. This was the last major barrier standing in the way of the 18-mile, $479 million project.

Critics have claimed the project would harm endangered species, wetlands, and historic districts. With only one relatively minor environmental issue still to be resolved, work will begin immediately on portions of the right-of-way in Braintree, Weymouth, and Hingham.