Ceremony marks CSX yard expansion
Written by William C. Vantuono, Editor-in-ChiefA groundbreaking ceremony Monday marked the start of a $100 million expansion of a CSX freight yard in Worcester, Mass. Gov. Deval L. Patrick and Lt. Gov. Timothy P. Murray joined state and local elected officials at the ceremonial groundbreaking, hailing the celebration as an important milestone in a rail transportation agreement between the state and CSX involving freight and passenger rail.
CSX is moving its freight operations out of the Beacon Park yards in Boston to existing rail yards in Central and Western Massachusetts, and plans to make Worcester its freight hub for New England. When completed, the freight yard will encompass 79 acres. The expansion will also permit increased passenger rail traffic between Worcester and Boston.
"Expanding commuter rail service to Worcester is a critical component of our administration’s economic development agenda,” Gov. Patrick said. “Today’s groundbreaking ceremony brings us one step closer to improving transportation service and increasing opportunity for business creation between Worcester and Boston.”
Lt. Gov. Murray said the project it will provide a significantly stronger transportation link between Worcester and Boston, as well as linking job and educational centers along that corridor. He also said it will expand available affordable shipping options for companies in Massachusetts so they can bring their products to market in a cost-efficient manner.
"This has been a tremendous partnership between the Commonwealth, CSX and the city of Worcester," Mr. O’Brien said. "This development is key to the future or our city, linking centers of economic growth and creating jobs. The future does indeed look very bright for our community."
For CSX’s part, "We will be a good neighbor to the city of Worcester and we hope to continue this partnership for years to come," said Lsa Mancini, senior vice president of human resources and labor relations at CSX.
