The South Coast Rail (SCR) project restores passenger rail service between Boston and southeastern Massachusetts for the first time since the 1950s, reconnecting communities and supporting regional economic growth. Passenger service launched in March 2025, marking the delivery of this long-anticipated investment. VHB has partnered with the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) and the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) for more than 30 years, guiding the project from early planning through construction and service implementation.
First envisioned in the early 1990s, SCR advanced in phases and includes 37 miles of track, six stations, two layover facilities, 14 bridges, 86 culverts, 27 grade crossings, a pedestrian bridge, and a new signal and communications system. The line now provides direct service from Boston’s South Station to New Bedford, Fall River, Taunton, and Freetown.
VHB played a central role in securing environmental approvals under NEPA and MEPA in 2011, introducing strategies such as commuter rail profitability evaluations and land use planning for corridor communities. The team established a collaborative framework bringing together regulatory agencies, municipalities, and business stakeholders to advance the program and align regional priorities.
As Program Manager beginning in 2014, VHB led phasing and packaging strategies and advanced preliminary design. The team prepared environmental permits across federal, state, and local requirements and managed Section 106 reviews, coordinating with the State Historic Preservation Officer, Native American tribes, municipalities, and other stakeholders. VHB also supported natural resource protection through species surveys, wetland design, and wildlife crossing solutions.
For Phase 1, extending service from Middleborough/Lakeville to Taunton, Fall River, and New Bedford, VHB served as Designer of Record—completing final design, securing permits, and providing construction-phase services, including environmental monitoring. The firm continues to support future phases through conceptual design and permitting strategies.
Through long-term partnership and integrated services, VHB helped transform SCR from concept to operational service, delivering expanded mobility and economic opportunity for South Coast communities.
