Lieutenant Governor Timothy Murray today joined Congressman John Olver, Congressman Richard Neal and Mayor Alex Morse of Holyoke for a first look at the potential site of the upcoming Holyoke Passenger Rail platform and announced construction is now underway to restore passenger rail service along the Connecticut River rail line, known as the Knowledge Corridor.

Funded through a $73 million federal grant by the federal stimulus American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) High-Speed and Intercity Passenger Rail program, the Knowledge Corridor project will restore Amtrak's intercity passenger train service to its original route by relocating the Vermonter from the New England Central Railroad back to its former route on the Pan Am Southern Railroad. 

“Investing in passenger rail service along the Knowledge Corridor is one example of how government is working to promote economic development in all regions of the state,” said Lieutenant Governor Murray. “My sincere thanks goes to Congressman Olver and Congressman Neal who are making this project a reality.”

Construction is currently underway to replace 20,000 rail ties from Greenfield to the Vermont border. The Knowledge Corridor project is on track to bring rail service to Northampton and Greenfield in 2014. Holyoke is beginning the design process for Holyoke Train Station and rail work is expected to begin this fall.

“MassDOT is pleased to partner with the city of Holyoke. This Knowledge Corridor is a great example of our statewide rail initiative that is providing more opportunity for all residents and the visitors to the Commonwealth,” said Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) Secretary & CEO Richard A. Davey.