Press Release: 8/13/2026

Healey-Driscoll Administration Completes Six Grade Crossing Safety Improvements in Foxborough

 

Upgraded warning systems will improve safety for motorists, pedestrians and rail operations in the community

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

8/12/2026

 

FOXBOROUGH — The Massachusetts Department of Transportation’s Rail and Transit Division today announced the completion of safety improvements at six railroad grade crossings in Foxborough, modernizing warning systems and upgrading rail infrastructure to make crossings safer and more reliable for drivers, pedestrians, rail passengers and railroad workers. 

“Whether you’re driving to work, walking through your neighborhood or riding the train, you deserve to know that the infrastructure you rely on is safe and dependable,” said Governor Maura Healey. “These upgrades in Foxborough are an important investment in public safety and in the rail infrastructure that keeps our communities and economy moving.” 

“Railroad crossings are part of everyday life in communities like Foxborough, and these improvements will make them safer and more reliable for everyone who uses them,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “We’re proud to work with our local partners to invest in infrastructure that makes a real difference in people’s daily lives.” 

“Governor Healey and Lieutenant Governor Driscoll have made it a priority from day one to restore safety, reliability, and improve transportation services across the Commonwealth. These grade crossing safety improvements in Foxborough will better protect residents, motorists, pedestrians, rail passengers, railroad employees, and service for years to come,” said Interim Transportation Secretary and MBTA General Manager Phillip Eng. “With the continued support of the Legislature, MassDOT, in collaboration with the MBTA, is making wise  investments in our rail infrastructure and delivering meaningful improvements with modern warning systems, to keep people safe while strengthening the reliability of our passenger and freight rail network.”  

MassDOT, working in coordination with the MBTA, completed repairs and signal modernization as part of a broader series of improvements along the Framingham Secondary rail line. The project included modernization of grade-crossing warning systems to ensure the equipment is more reliable and visible to drivers and pedestrians. These improvements will reduce the potential for collisions involving trains, vehicles, and pedestrians. Across the United States, approximately 2,200 grade-crossing collisions occur annually resulting in hundreds of injuries and fatalities.  

“Modern grade-crossing warning systems are a critical layer of protection wherever railroad tracks and local streets meet,” said MassDOT Rail and Transit Administrator Meredith Slesinger. “Completing these improvements strengthens the reliability of the Framingham Secondary and provides safer, more dependable crossings for everyone who travels through the Foxborough community.” 

At the Spring Street, Elm Street, Leonard Street, Bird Street, Chestnut Street, and North Street railroad crossings in Foxborough, MassDOT upgraded safety equipment to improve visibility and enhance safety for drivers and pedestrians. The improvements included replacing warning lights and bells and installing new crossing gates. MassDOT also installed new signal bungalows at each crossing featuring modern electronic equipment, improving the dependability and reliability of the crossing warning systems. 

The new technology will also more accurately time the activation of the warning systems based on an approaching train’s speed, helping maintain safety while reducing unnecessary delays. At Bird Street and North Street, MassDOT additional improvements were made to the tracks and roadway surfaces to provide a smoother, safer crossing for trains, vehicles, and pedestrians. 

MassDOT also replaced approximately three-quarters of a mile of older rail within Mansfield Yard, replacing aging jointed rail with continuously welded rail. The new rail provides passengers with a smoother ride while also reducing ongoing maintenance needs and improving the long-term reliability of the corridor. 

The project also included significant improvements to two bridges along the corridor. At the MP 0.53 Bridge, MassDOT replaced the aging structure with a new ballasted deck bridge. The replacement accommodates the track improvements through Mansfield Yard while providing a safer, smoother, and more reliable ride for passengers. 

At the MP 4.33 Bridge, MassDOT repaired bearing plates on the existing steel structure and installed a new ballasted deck above it. The improvements allowed the track to be raised approximately 15 inches and improved the track alignment over the bridge. Together, these upgrades bring the track into compliance with Class 3 track standards, allowing trains to travel at higher speeds, and contribute to a safer and smoother passenger experience.  

The Foxborough improvements are part of the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s ongoing investments to modernize rail infrastructure and improve the safety and reliability of passenger and freight service across Massachusetts. Upgrading tracks, signals, crossings, bridges and other critical infrastructure strengthen current rail operations while supporting opportunities for future expansion. 

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