This line follows an old interurban route between Providence and Fall River and then continues to New Bedford. With the coming of the South Coast Rail project, this would be even more useful by providing a connection between stations along the South Coast extension and Providence. The biggest issues would likely be getting through Ocean Grove, where 5 or 6 homes have been built on the ROW, and tunneling under I-195 in Fall River. The alternative to taking the homes in Ocean Grove would be to use a power line ROW from the RI/MA state line to the Taunton River, although connecting to that presents a challenge as well, albeit smaller. This hits the downtowns of all 3 as well as Warren and Barrington and would provide an alternative to I-195. The idea would be something more along the lines of a regional line, similar to the old interurban operation, with shorter 3-4 electric trains rather than MBTA diesel hauled trains.
Feel free to suggest any infill stations. Thoughts? Map here
Idea for regional rail line connecting Providence, Fall River, & New Bedford
Dinosaur_Ass_Tattoos OP t1_j6hllxk wrote
Reply to Idea for regional rail line connecting Providence, Fall River, & New Bedford by Dinosaur_Ass_Tattoos
This line follows an old interurban route between Providence and Fall River and then continues to New Bedford. With the coming of the South Coast Rail project, this would be even more useful by providing a connection between stations along the South Coast extension and Providence. The biggest issues would likely be getting through Ocean Grove, where 5 or 6 homes have been built on the ROW, and tunneling under I-195 in Fall River. The alternative to taking the homes in Ocean Grove would be to use a power line ROW from the RI/MA state line to the Taunton River, although connecting to that presents a challenge as well, albeit smaller. This hits the downtowns of all 3 as well as Warren and Barrington and would provide an alternative to I-195. The idea would be something more along the lines of a regional line, similar to the old interurban operation, with shorter 3-4 electric trains rather than MBTA diesel hauled trains.
Feel free to suggest any infill stations. Thoughts? Map here