Rail Line Needed for Foxborough MBTA Station Purchased by MassDOT

A rail line needed for a commuter rail stop in Foxborough has been acquired by the Massachusetts Department of Transportation.

Wednesday morning, the department announced the purchase of the Framingham Secondary Rail Line, a 21-mile segment of rail that stretches from Framingham to Mansfield.

Normally used on Patriots game day, the line connects Foxborough to the rest of the commuter rail line. Last year, MassDOT unveiled plans to bring regular round trip train service from Gillette Stadium to South Station in Boston. Under the proposal, trains from Foxborough take the Framingham Secondary Rail Line before switching to the Fairmont Line in Walpole.

The newly purchased line could also be used to navigate trains on other lines if there is a delay or disruption.

Due to the current condition of the line, track; signal; and switch upgrades required for lines with passenger service are expected to take place. Preliminary work is set to begin next spring with any pilot service starting no early than 2017.