New Study Finds that NSRL Less Expensive than Previously Reported
Moulton: “The Most Transformative Infrastructure Investment We Can Make as A Commonwealth and A Region”
Salem, MA – Today, the Harvard Kennedy School (HKS) released a report about the projected cost of the North-South Rail Link (NSRL), a 2.8 mile tunnel between North and South Stations that would fully integrate the Commonwealth’s commuter rail network. The study found that the construction of the NSRL will be significantly less expensive than previously reported. Authored by Professor Linda Bilmes of the Harvard Kennedy School, the report's key takeaways include:
- An estimated cost of approximately $4.5 billion for the project—far less than the $12 billion forecast in 2003 (all figures adjusted to 2017 dollars).
- This conservative estimate accounts for a 16.4 percent Massachusetts cost premium and a 50 percent overall contingency factor.
- HKS calls for a full environmental impact review of the NSRL to better understand the cost-benefit of the project.
Congressman Seth Moulton (D-MA), a supporter of the NSRL, calls it “the most transformative infrastructure investment we can make as a Commonwealth and a region,” and believes that there are ways to make the project even more affordable through the utilization of new project management structures, including public-private partnerships.
In response to the report, Congressman Seth Moulton (D-MA) issued the following statement:
“I am glad to see that, due to technological advances, the current cost estimate is much lower than originally projected.
“Of course, the ultimate decision on making this investment should be made after evaluating the benefits as well as the costs. I am confident that further analysis will reveal what a massively positive impact the rail link will make on our economy, on access to jobs, and on the lives of millions who travel in the region—including those far from Boston who never benefited from The Big Dig.
“Massachusetts is currently ranked the number 1 state in the country; however, Massachusetts ranks 45th in the nation in transportation and 47th in commute times. Boston’s commute is now the 18th most congested in the world. The North-South Rail Link is the type of innovative project we should be investing in as we continue to build a 21st Century economy. Massachusetts was the first state to say you can marry the person you love, we were the first state to make healthcare a human right, and we built the first electric subway in North America. We do not shy away from tough challenges like making significant investments to expand and enhance transportation and our economy.”
To learn more about Congressman Seth Moulton visit https://moulton.house.gov or connect with him on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or Medium.