# Massachusetts Breaks Ground on Pittsfield Rail Upgrades

On October 29, 2026, Massachusetts broke ground on rail-capacity improvements in Pittsfield and nearby Richmond to support permanent seasonal Berkshire Flyer service and advance broader Western Massachusetts passenger-rail expansion. The state has planned **$31 million** for the Pittsfield Track Capacity Project in MassDOT’s FY 2027–2031 Capital Investment Plan; the work includes a passing track near the Pittsfield border and upgrades at CSX’s Pittsfield Yard. No solicitation or new contract award for the Pittsfield work is identified, so the announcement signals planned infrastructure activity rather than an open procurement.

- Companies providing rail construction, track design, and station-planning services can use MassDOT and related project announcements to identify when specific procurements are released; no bid deadline is stated.
- The **$31 million** project is distinct from a separate **$130 million** Federal Railroad Administration award for a key phase of the Springfield Area Track Reconfiguration Project.
- Related rail investment also includes approximately **$2 billion** in federal funding to Amtrak for additional Siemens Airo trainsets, indicating a broader passenger-rail infrastructure and equipment pipeline.

**Jurisdictions:** sled
**Industries:** Transportation, Construction & Infrastructure
**Topics:** Physical Infrastructure
**Published:** October 31, 2026

### Government Entities
- Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT)
- Federal Railroad Administration (FRA)
- Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA)
- New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT)
- City of Pittsfield

### Vendors
- CSX ()
- Amtrak (awardee)
- Siemens (trainset manufacturer)

### Key Quotes
> Now, we're investing in the infrastructure needed to make this service a permanent seasonal option and move our broader West-East Rail plans forward.
> — Maura Healey, Governor of Massachusetts

> These improvements will support safe, reliable passenger service while preserving the efficient freight operations that support regional businesses, communities, and economic growth.
> — Andy Daly, Senior Director of Passenger Rail Operations at CSX

### Sources
- [Healey-Driscoll Administration Breaks Ground on Rail Improvements to Support Permanent Berkshire Flyer Service | Mass.gov](https://www.mass.gov/news/healey-driscoll-administration-breaks-ground-on-rail-improvements-to-support-permanent-berkshire-flyer-service) - MA