Boston (August 18, 2022) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) and Representatives Lori Trahan (MA-03) and Seth Moulton (MA-06) announced today that the Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority (MBTA) will receive $7.6 million in additional federal funding to support a proposed project to replace the century-old South Elm Street Bridge with a modern two-track rail bridge in Haverhill. The bridge is used by Amtrak’s Downeaster service and the MBTA’s commuter rail service between Boston and Haverhill. The funding will be received through the Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Federal-State Partnership Grant.
“The Orange Line shutdown has made clear that delaying repairs and renovation today means depriving riders of reliable and safe service in the future,” said Senator Markey. “As officials work tirelessly to improve service on the T and address safety concerns, I am proud to join my colleagues in announcing additional federal funding to support the T in its ongoing effort to modernize. I will continue working to secure the funding and resources necessary to improve Massachusetts public transit and put riders first.”
“Like so many bridges in Haverhill, the century-old South Elm Street Bridge is in serious need of repair. And much like the Basiliere Bridge just up the street, we’re delivering the federal funding to get it done,” said Congresswoman Lori Trahan. “I’m proud to deliver this investment to renovate this critical transit artery in the city, and I’m grateful to our partners at MassDOT who will see the project through to completion.”
“It’s no secret that the MBTA is in a state of crisis. With the orange line shutdown imminent, we need to take every step possible to make our public transit safer and more reliable for riders across our region,” said Congressman Seth Moulton. “This funding for a new two-track rail bridge in Haverhill is the type of smart investment we need right now. I look forward to working with my colleagues to secure additional resources for more of these critical improvements in the future.”
In March, the lawmakers were joined by Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Representative Stephen Lynch (MA-08), and Assistant Speaker of the House Katherine Clark (MA-05) in writing to the Administrator of the Federal Railroad Administration expressing support for the MBTA’s Federal-State Partnership Grant application.
On Tuesday, DOT’s Federal Transit Administration announced the MBTA received a $116 million grant from its Low or No Emissions Vehicle Program to support the authority’s transition to a battery-electric bus fleet. The announcement leaves the MBTA and New York’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority tied as the largest recipients of program funding. Massachusetts also received more than $537 million in April from the Federal Transit Administration to support public transit across the region.
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