Signs that Massachusetts’ South Coast Rail project continues was evident on New Bedford’s Church Street as the demolition of the old Julius Koch industrial site nears completion.
Once home to the nation’s largest supplier of cord and invisible tape for custom window coverings, the building was torn down and its four-acre parcel will become the site of the new Church Street train station, according to the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT).
The Phase 1 station and main line construction is part of the $8 billion project that will extend commuter rail lines from Boston to New Bedford and Fall River.
The station was originally set to be built near the old Flagship Theater property on King’s Highway but was derailed and relocated to Church Street last year. Existing development along Church Street is industrial on the side with the railroad tracks and residential on the other.
The first phase of the commuter rail project will provide a one-seat ride by:
The benefits of Phase 1 are that the work:
Phase 1 is expected to be completed in late 2023, according to the MBTA.