Raised bridges to accommodate full-size freight trains

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - The construction of Roosevelt Avenue Bridge in Springfield is moving ahead of schedule. Once completed, the project will benefit both the state government and local businesses.

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation and CSX Corporation closed a deal on Thursday that gives Mass DOT the ownership of rail tracks in the Worcester area.

That means more double-decker freight trains will now be able to travel through Massachusetts.

To accommodate those trains, many bridges in central and western Massachusetts have been under construction for some time now.

Roosevelt Avenue Bridge in Springfield is one of them, and good news for drivers... the bridge construction is moving faster than expected.

Once completed, Lt. Gov. Tim Murray told 22News more trains can transport imports and exports, bringing more economic development opportunities to the region.

“Businesses want to be in places where it's easy to get from here to there whether it be people, customers, their employees, or whether it be moving their goods and products,” Murray said.

Expanded commuter rail services will also make it easier for people to travel from one end of the state to the other.