Lang Encouraged by Potential Southcoast Rail Route Change

A Southcoast Rail Task Force meeting is being set aside until after a MassDOT Board of Directors meeting on Monday. That's when several sources tell WBSM News the Board will abandon plans for the $2+ billion Stoughton route and turn their focus to the much more affordable Lakeville/Middleboro alternative.

If true, nobody would be happier than former New Bedford Mayor Scott Lang, who has been touting the Middleboro route for the better part of a decade. Lang tells WBSM News the rail lines are already in place, and only need some rehabilitation. "It's not only common sense, but it's apparent. It's looking at you," said Lang. The former mayor says the lines can serve dual purposes. "The rail line is there. Why would we not use it? And why would we not tune it up for both freight and passenger, get a double-bang out of it, and go like hell?"

Lang says total efforts to revamp the rail lines would cost less than $200 million.

WBSM News has placed several unreturned calls to Southcoast Rail Project Manager Jean Fox for confirmation.