Trains In The Valley

07/30/2026

So, what’s going on here?

Everyone in our area knows where this is. It’s the Damon Road railroad crossing in Northampton, which sees about 16,000 vehicles a day.

A few weeks ago, someone (likely MassDOT) set up traffic cones to block off part of the left-turn lane for westbound traffic crossing the tracks.

From what we hear, at times vehicles in the left-turn lane were backed up over the crossing when the gates started to come down for a train. There may also be concern that a driver unfamiliar with the area, especially at night, could enter this lane and then mistakenly turn left onto the tracks.

We hear that a plan is in the works to build a traffic island on each side of the crossing and then restripe the roadway so that westbound drivers enter the left-turn lane only after crossing the tracks.

Further updates will be provided when we know more.

07/28/2026

Kids ON TRACK - This weekend at Springfield Union Station!
https://amherstrail.org/kids-on-track/

A weekend of family fun on August 1 & 2, 2026 (10:00 AM - 4:00 PM).

The Amherst Railway Society, CTrail, and Springfield Union Station are teaming up for an incredible event linking model railroading to STEM education.

Here is what you need to know: Run the Trains: Kids of all ages can operate model railroads right in the concourse.

Take a Ride: CTrail is running a special morning roundtrip between Springfield and Hartford. ($5 round trip tickets can be ordered in the link above.)

Special Guest: Maggie the Railroad Clown (Ringling Bros. alum!) performs Sunday, Aug 2.

07/23/2026

Possible Funding to Move Palmer Station Forward

Yesterday, the Massachusetts Senate adopted an amendment to its draft Economic Development Bill (S.3178) that would provide $5 million for the proposed Palmer Passenger Rail Station.

Sponsored by Senator Jacob Oliveira, the funding is intended to accelerate station design and planning. This could help reduce the projected three-year gap between the start of Springfield-to-Boston passenger rail service (currently expected in 2030) and the station's anticipated opening in 2033.

It's important to note that this funding is not yet secured. The Economic Development Bill remains under debate on the Senate floor and has not yet passed the chamber. If the bill passes the Senate, the amendment must still survive negotiations between the House and Senate in a conference committee before the formal legislative session ends on July 31.

A proposed passenger rail station in Palmer moved a step closer to becoming a reality after the Massachusetts Senate approved $5 million to support the project as part of a broader economic develop…

07/21/2026

MassDOT today marked the completion of a $5.6 million upgrade to the East Deerfield rail yard, improving freight rail operations and regional economic development.

The project scope included the construction of new track infrastructure to enable the loading and unloading of intermodal containers from trains within the rail yard, and the rehabilitation of four existing Receiving Tracks in the yard.

MassDOT finished an eight-year railyard renovation in Deerfield while preparing for the Stillwater Bridge reconstruction.

07/10/2026

Rail News Roundup #53 is now live
trainsinthevalley.org/2026/07/10/rail-news-roundup-53/

• Amtrak Opens New Brattleboro Station
• The Berkshire Flyer is Back, with a New Schedule
• West Springfield | Front Street Crossing Project Meeting

• MassDOT Capital Investment Plan Finalized
• Fourth Annual WMTAN Forum

• Then and Now: Westfield
• Mass Central Railroad to Be Sold
• Rail Narnia in Southampton

Rail advocates from across the region hosted in the afternoon titled — The Future of Western Mass Rail: From Grassroots Advocacy to Reality. Advocates for the Valley Flyer, East–West Rail, and the Northern Tier discussed their work to expand and improve passenger rail service in western Massachu...

06/26/2026

*** UPDATE ***
CTDOT just announced that these fares are NOT accepted on Amtrak-operated Hartford Line train. That's not what they told use when we called them about the special fare last week.

---

Special Fares on any CTrail-operated Hartford Line train July 4 & 5!
$2.50 adult / $1 child with an adult

Special notes (UPDATED)
- These fares are not accepted on any Amtrak train.

- You'll probably need to use a CTrail ticket machine to get these fares.

- Check the Hartford Line website from the special holiday schedules and for further details.

Celebrating America's 250th with $2.50 fares on CTrail Hartford Line! 🚂 🎆

On July 4 & 5, ride between any CTrail Hartford Line stations on any train listed in our schedule for just $2.50.

👨‍👩‍👧 Kids ride for $1 with any adult ticket

Going to Hartford's Bonanza Fireworks? 🎇 We've added extra trains to get you there and back.

Skip the traffic and ride with us this holiday weekend!

🔗Visit HartfordLine.com for schedules and service updates.

06/24/2026

What a wonderful day for Brattleboro!

06/23/2026

Brattleboro’s New Amtrak Station Opens Wednesday!

Battleboro has been served by passenger rail since 1849, and this week marks a major new chapter in that history.

The town’s new stand-alone Amtrak station features Vermont’s first-ever full-length, level-boarding platform. Passengers on Amtrak's Vermonter will no longer need to use steps to get on or off the train at this station, making travel completely accessible.

Grand Opening Celebration
When: Wednesday, June 24, from 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM (First train arrives at 1:00 PM)
Where: 21 Depot Street

At 3:30 PM There will be a gathering of rail advocates at 28 Vernon Street. All are welcome to attend to celebrate this milestone and discuss ways to expand and improve passenger rail service throughout the Connecticut River Valley.

Check out the link below for full event details, parking info, and the new mural unveiling.

Opening Day Schedule for the New Train Station in Brattleboro, Vermont

06/22/2026

Brattleboro’s New Amtrak Station Opens Wednesday!

Battleboro has been served by passenger rail since 1849, and this week marks a major new chapter in that history.

The town’s new stand-alone Amtrak station features Vermont’s first-ever full-length, level-boarding platform. Passengers on Amtrak's Vermonter will no longer need to use steps to get on or off the train at this station, making travel completely accessible.

Grand Opening Celebration

When: Wednesday, June 24, from 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM (First train arrives at 1:00 PM)

Where: 21 Depot Street

At 3:30 PM State Senator Wendy Harrison is hosting a gathering of rail advocates at 28 Vernon Street. All are welcome to attend to celebrate this milestone and discuss ways to expand and improve passenger rail service throughout the Connecticut River Valley.

Check out the link below for full event details, parking info, and the new mural unveiling —

Opening Day Schedule for the New Train Station in Brattleboro, Vermont

06/08/2026

Sure would be nice if we had a station like this in Northampton!

The Brattleboro Vermont Amtrak Station.
The Station is almost complete.
Ribbon cutting is scheduled for June 24.