Taunton to test trains for South Coast Rail project

TAUNTON, Mass. (WLNE) — The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority will run test trains for the South Coast Rail project starting today.

Commuter rail trains will run through the Taunton area.

According to the MBTA, The South Coast Rail project will restore commuter rail service between Boston and southeastern Massachusetts.

Taunton, Fall River and New Bedford are the only major cities within 50 miles of Boston that do not currently have commuter rail access to Boston.

MBTA is hoping to reconnect this region to jobs and generate economic development.

The test trains will consist of a locomotive and five bi-level coach cars operating at speeds up to 79 mph.

MBTA personnel and police will be on site for safety.

The dates of the testing in the Taunton area are:

June 22 to June 23 Middleboro secondary between Middleboro and East Taunton station;

June 24 to July 3 New Bedford Mainline between East Taunton station and Myricks Junction.