The North–South Rail Link (NSRL) is a proposed rail tunnel, or pair of tunnels, that would connect North Station and South Station in downtown Boston, Massachusetts. The project would build new underground stations near the existing stations, connect them with about of tunnels, and add other tunnels to link up with existing surface tracks.
The NSRL would connect Amtrak and MBTA Commuter Rail lines that terminate either at North or South Station. For MBTA, it would link northern lines to South Station, Back Bay Station, and lines beyond Back Bay, including the Framingham/Worcester Line and the Northeast Corridor; one option under consideration would also link to commuter lines to the south. The project would also link Amtrak's various trains into and out of the city; for example, the Downeaster line from Maine currently has no direct connection with Northeast Corridor trains to New York City and beyond.
In June 2018, MassDOT's North South Rail Link Feasibility Reassessment described the costs and benefits of several alternatives, including adding tunnels in various configurations or doing nothing. The tunnel options included a $21.5 billion four-track maximum-service plan and three double-track routes ranging in cost from $12.3 billion to $14.7 billion. (These costs are in 2028 dollars and include purchasing additional rolling stock, other required infrastructure improvements, and a 3.5% annual inflation.) The presentation noted that a planned expansion of South Station would cost an estimated $4.7 billion, not including the purchase of rolling stock, electrifying the system, and renovating Tower 1.
Historical connections
From 1872 to 1969, the freight-only Union Freight Railroad provided a direct, street running connection between most of the south-side and north-side railroads, and served local customers and wharves in between.
From 1901 to 1938, the Atlantic Avenue Elevated provided direct passenger service past North and South Stations. The elevated trackage was not connected to any of the conventional railroad tracks.
Present connections
Public transit connects North Station to South Station only indirectly, through two of the MBTA Subway system's quartet of hub stations. A trip between the two commuter rail stations requires taking two subway lines, either the Green Line and the Red Line through their shared Park Street station, or the Orange Line and the Red Line via their shared Downtown Crossing station. The underground Winter Street Concourse connects the upper levels of Park Street and Downtown Crossing stations. Amtrak recommends that passengers with young children or much luggage take a taxi between the stations.
It is possible to traverse the gap directly via the Orange Line from Back Bay Station to North Station, but it requires seven stops and not all of the southern lines pass through Back Bay; the Old Colony Lines, and Fairmount Line on the Commuter Rail do not. The Orange Line also provides a connection for Amtrak passengers who want to transfer between the Northeast Corridor and the Downeaster. However, North Station passengers add significantly to Orange Line congestion. Similarly, it is possible to connect between South Station and the Fitchburg Line via the Red Line at Porter station. Passengers on the Newburyport/Rockport Line can also take the Silver Line from Chelsea (Bellingham Square). The weekday-only MBTA bus #4 connects the two stations. The North–South Rail Link is proposed to fill all these awkward gaps in service, with direct connections requiring no transfers.
2018 NSRL feasibility study
In June 2018, MassDOT released a North South Rail Link Feasibility Reassessment presentation that described several tunnel alternatives. The state began soliciting bids for a $2 million feasibility study on March 1, 2017. This study had been pushed for by the North-South Rail Link Working Group. The working group, NSRL supporters, includes Senator Ed Markey, Representatives Niki Tsongas and Katherine Clark, with Representative Seth Moulton leading the effort. It also includes more than half of Massachusetts mayors.