Much work on South Coast Rail set to take place in Fall River, New Bedford

The MBTA has issued an update on work set to take place concerning the South Coast Rail.

This week and next, the contractor will continue tree clearing along the right-of-way from Myricks Junction in Berkley heading south. Other ongoing work includes ground survey, switch installation, site preparation, sheet pile wall installation, drainage and utility installation, and equipment, material and soil deliveries occurring at the station and layover sites and along the railroad right-of-way from Middleborough to New Bedford.

This week and next, the contractor continues the installation of steel sheeting for retaining walls in the railroad right-of-way in Berkley along the New Bedford Main Line.

Installation of soldier piles and precast panels for retaining walls along the New Bedford Main Line also continues this week and next.

Locations of Work:
-New Middleborough Station site, 161 South Main Street, Middleborough
-East Taunton Station site, 1141 County Street, Taunton
-Wamsutta Layover Facility site, 217 Herman Melville Boulevard, New Bedford
-Middleborough Secondary and New Bedford Main Line right-of-way

Dates/Hours of Work:
Current week: Monday, May 24 through Friday, May 28, 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM (no work Saturday, May 29 to Monday, May 31 due to holiday)

Next week: Tuesday, June 1 through Sunday, June 6, 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM

Work on Fall River Secondary Main Line

This week and next, the contractor will continue to perform ground survey, install drainage and utilities, clear trees, install erosion controls, and material and equipment deliveries occurring along the right-of-way on the Fall River Secondary.

As part of the Fall River Depot construction, the contractor is installing support for excavation along Pearce Street in Fall River. As of May 3, vehicles using Pearce Street between Davol Street and Dyer Street can expect a single lane closure.

This week the contractor will install an access road off Horizon Way in Fall River. The work zone has been secured to deter outside access.

This week and next, the contractor begins the installation of steel sheeting for retaining walls in the railroad right-of-way in the area of Collins Street in Fall River.

Installation of soldier piles and precast panels for retaining walls in the vicinity of the Freetown Station site and from Richmond Road to Forge Road in Freetown also continues this week and next.

Locations of Work:
-Assonet River Railroad Bridge, Lakeville
-Freetown Station site, 161 South Main Street, Assonet
-Horizon Way, Fall River
-Collins Street, Fall River
-Weaver’s Cove Layover Facility, 2680 North Main Street, Fall River
-Fall River Depot site, 825 Davol Street, Fall River
-Fall River Secondary Line railroad right-of-way between Adams Lane in Berkley and Fall River Depot

Dates/Hours of Work:
Current week: Monday, May 24 through Friday, May 28, 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM (no work Saturday, May 29 to Monday, May 31 due to holiday)

Next week: Monday, June 1 through Friday, June 4, 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM

There will be no South Coast Rail activity Saturday, May 29 through Monday, May 31 for the holiday.

According to the MBTA, ongoing work may be disruptive to residents. Crews are using various pieces of heavy equipment and trucks along the railroad right-of-way. While the project will seek to minimize construction-related impacts to communities, low to moderate noise levels and vibrations will be generated.

If you would like to report a construction-related issue on the South Coast Rail project, call the hotline at (617) 222-4099. The hotline will be answered Monday-Friday, between 7:00 AM and 3:30 PM (except holidays). All voicemails left outside of these hours will be received on the following 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM weekday shift.