Rail Service to Gardner a Real Possibility for the future
Right now, it’s a conceptual planning study requiring many more steps before any construction would occur. The Study was done by MassDOT as directed by the Massachusetts Legislature 4 years ago to examine the benefits, costs, and investments necessary to implement a new passenger rail service that would be a competitive travel option along the Northern Tier, connecting North Adams, Greenfield, and Boston. The attached 112 page document – CLICK HERE – details the study which documents various alternatives. In order for anything to proceed, it would need to be funded. The study anticipates many more steps along the way.
In a draft of the Northern Tier Passenger Rail Study Report, Gardner would get a station in a similar location to what it had years ago. At one time the parking lot on the west side of the former Jade II restaurant was the location of the original Union Station. The study notes that the track running between Pearson Boulevard-Chestnut Street and Route 2 would provide an opportunity for a 510 foot platform. Potential parking is noted as a small lot between the former D’Angelo’s Restaurant and the Tender Heart facility. The attached study outlines various possibilities and alternatives.