Mass Coastal Railroad (MC) Discussion

What gets me about all this is in relation to things already stated in this thread:

This would be an uphill battle even IF it gets passed, since they'd have to deal with Mass Coastal who has made it abundantly clear they would not go down without a fight. They'd have to convince the STB to allow the removal of a line that sees frequent trash train service, they'd have to work with Joint Base Cape Cod who has expressed that they would not entertain the removal of the tracks outright for national security reasons, etc etc etc.

To top it off, as has been said, Moran isn't seeking re-election so this isn't to gain favors with the voters. All this for a bike path? Just seems wildly absurd.

Train60 wrote: ↑Thu Jul 11, 2024 8:11 am Ms. Moran moves that the proposed new text be amended in item 1599-1016 by inserting the following words:- “; provided further, that not less than $8,750,000 shall be expended for the construction of a rail spur connecting Joint Base Cape Cod to the Cape Cod Main Rail Line, provided that funding for the rail spur shall be administered by the department of transportation” and by striking out the figure “$1,000,000” and inserting in place thereof the following figure:- “$9,750,000”.

There is no way in hell that a new bike path built next to the rail line would cost this much no matter the obstacles. Although Massachusetts officials do know how to overspend the citizens' money.

I guess Senator Moran thinks if it worked for Rep Eric Turkington it will work a second go around. So totally clueless like a majority of politicians with no knowledge of any topic just doing whatever a special interest group wants, as she probably wants to go out of office with some kind of accomplishment to look back on. I have heard locally that MassDOT will be making an announcement about the Falmouth RR line soon and that the Rail with trail project will move forward.

It's worth noting that Amendment 333 to S.2856, which was to direct construction of the trail has a status of Withdrawn, while Amendment 331 for the construction of the fantasy branch still remains.

Here is the response letter Senator Susan Moran sent to people commenting on the amendments for Track removal / Fantasy spur to JBCC. And to make it even more ridiculous now we need a new Canal RR Bridge as well!


Thank you for contacting me regarding the preservation and continued operation of the MassDOT Falmouth Secondary Rail Line in Bourne and Falmouth. I have met with many supporters and opponents of the plan to convert the Falmouth Secondary Line into a bike path that would create new tourism infrastructure and link the 6.5-mile gap between the Cape Cod Canal Bikeway and the Shining Sea Bikeway. This would ultimately create 24 miles of uninterrupted pathway for pedestrians and cyclists to enjoy on the Upper Cape.

As you are likely aware, the Falmouth Secondary is limited in its current functionality, and is not currently used or rated for commuter transportation. After several meetings with local and state engineers, it has become clear that any future use of this line would require expansive infrastructure improvements to allow for regular use, including a new train bridge over the Cape Cod Canal.

My colleagues and I, as well as representatives from the Cape Cod Regional Transit Authority and Department of Transportation, have carefully considered the cost restriction, legal limitations, economic significance, and environmental impact of each option while working to establish a plan that is beneficial for all Cape Cod residents and visitors.

As your State Senator, it is my responsibility to prioritize infrastructure investments that contribute to economic growth, job creation, sustainability, and reducing inequality in my district. I filed amendment #331 to S.2856 - An Act relative to strengthening Massachusetts’ economic leadership, which will expend $8,750,000 for the construction of a rail spur connecting Joint Base Cape Cod to the Cape Cod Main Rail Line, opening up new possibilities for this rail line.

I remain committed to working towards a thoughtful, well-planned resolution that will allow for the repurposing of the Falmouth Secondary for economic and lifestyle prosperity, without compromising public safety or future rail infrastructure projects.

Sincerely,

Susan L. Moran
State Senator
Plymouth and Barnstable

Checkout my Website
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p.p. NM

These people are out of their mind. Me me me.

She is presumably taking dictation from real estate interests. Think how many condos you could build if we sell off the military base. Also with recycling and Green Construction there is no need for waste disposal.

She says she has been working with CCRTA and the DOT. Have there been public hearings?

Wouldn't need a new RR bridge if they hadn't given away railroad schedule priority to the Army Corps. Massachusetts should ask that priority be returned to MassDOT. Oh and remind me why the state is paying part of the cost to replace federal bridges over a man-made federally owned canal when Maryland is getting a free super expensive new ocean bridge for zero copay and they are allowed to charge tolls?

$9.something M to create a new spur track on a different row. Why don't they just build a bike path on a new row, it would be cheaper. And if they sell off the army base they won't need either row for trains.

FatNoah wrote: ↑Thu Jul 11, 2024 1:36 pm It's worth noting that Amendment 333 to S.2856, which was to direct construction of the trail has a status of Withdrawn, while Amendment 331 for the construction of the fantasy branch still remains.

Amendment 331, which would provide $8.75 million to construct a new rail spur into the base, was adopted and included in the Senate's version of the bill.

Train60 wrote: ↑Wed Jul 17, 2024 8:03 am Amendment 331, which would provide $8.75 million to construct a new rail spur into the base, was adopted and included in the Senate's version of the bill.

And the NIMBYS who fight every new rail project are going to allow a completely new railroad line to be built on Cape Cod? Hard to believe this will ever happen.

First of all, keep this in mind. As we all know any active / inactive rail line cannot be abandoned without the Federal Surface Transportation Boards review and approval of any change of rail line status. To date as far as I know the State of Massachusetts has not filed for abandonment and MassDOT hasn't commented at all about this track removal agenda of various politicians and the Bourne bike trail group. So, no matter how much noise and posted signs " Pull the tracks" these groups bring up in the media, it's all BS. If Massachusetts were to make a bad decision and file for abandonment there would be numerous lawsuits filed by Mass Coastal / Cavossa Disposal / UCCRTS Board of Managers representing the 3 Town's that need future use of the transfer station and Joint Base Cape Cod for starters. Also take into account that MassDOT CIP has funded and scheduled phase 1 of the Bourne Rail with Trail starting next spring / summer 2025 from Canal junction to Gray Gables RR crossing. So, taking that into account it sure looks like MassDOT is still planning on Rail with Trail construction as phases 2 and 4 are in the design stage currently listed on the MassDOT CIP list.

This new spur along with a new Canal RR Bridge is certainly a fantasy of Senator Susan Moran and other politicians. The spur has already been looked at by the Cape Cod Commission and it was deemed unfeasible due to geographical / environmental issues. The Cape main line is at Canal level and to climb the elevation to the top of the Hill of the Glacial moraine in a short distance isn't possible for a locomotive to do. The $ 9,750,000 cost included with that filed amendment would be all spent on design / environmental review / Engineering before the first shovel was put in the ground.

As far as the new RR Bridge no details as to what type of bridge and where it would be located has been communicated. If it were a fixed height bridge it would require the same clearance as the highway bridges which according to the Army Corps of Engineers is 135 feet from the Canal water surface. Also, totally new Rail lines would have to be run somehow to get to it let alone get off and reconnect to the existing Rail network. Rail with Trail is the most cost-efficient method to maintain the use of the Rail line and provide recreational access to connect to North Falmouth when compared to the astronomical cost of what some politicians fantasy solution is.

Bourne Enterprise 7/26/2024 Mass Coastal Letter in response to Senator Susan Moran amendment

Not sure if this is the right forum since I dont know exactly how the CSX/MC territory is divided, but i checked out cotley junction yesterday and noticed the spur to the plastics company on Mazzone Blvd was partially rebuilt along with the rest of the junction area. 136lb 2021 rail.

Would this spur (and the red line freight spur across the way) be MC or CSX served?

The Red Line spur (which is the former Colortyme/Quad Graphics/Rand McNally) is switched by Mass Coastal. The other spur (one of three that were between Cotely and RT140) was last used by Atlantic Plywood many years ago. Inactive. This would be a CSX customer.

D

Wow, there were three spurs in that short stretch? How long ago?

From what I could see, it seems like that plastics company could reactivate rail pretty easily if they wanted to. The spur ROW was recently mowed and the rails are all still intact, though they'd need some TLC for sure. There is an HVAC element or Generator or something sitting on top of the rails next to the old boxcar bays but it’s on risers or a pallet or something that looks like it could be easily moved.