The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) has announced it has committed approximately $700,000 to help Amtrak make safety improvements at the public railroad crossing at Birnie Road in Longmeadow, in the western part of the state.
This funding is expected to cover approximately 90% of the cost of the improvements. Amtrak, which owns the railroad line and is carrying out the project, will fund the remaining costs.
Work being carried out by Amtrak will include the installation of a new gate and warning lights, and a power system to support this infrastructure. Work-related activities are currently expected to begin in 2019.
MassDOT has worked closely with federal, state and local leaders as well as members of the public in recent months after receiving feedback regarding the need for improvements and safety upgrades at the Birnie Road grade crossing in Longmeadow, where five people have been killed in accidents since 1975.
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Source: MassDOT
