Skanska has been awarded a $1.06 billion contract to replace the North Station Draw One Bridge and upgrade tracks and signals in Massachusetts. This significant infrastructure investment promises to modernize a crucial rail corridor for over 11 million annual riders, enhancing connectivity across the Greater Boston area.
What Happened
Skanska, a leading global construction and development firm, announced on May 17, 2026, that it secured a contract from the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) to undertake the North Station Draw One Bridge Replacement and Track & Signal Upgrades project. The project spans Cambridge, Boston, and Somerville, MA. VHB, a Watertown, MA-based engineering, planning, and design company, will serve as the design partner for this design-build contract. The scope includes replacing the 1930-era Draw One bascule bridges with new vertical lift spans, upgrading approach trestles, constructing a new Tower A control facility, and adding a new Platform F at North Station. The project also features comprehensive track, signal, and Positive Train Control (PTC) enhancements to bolster safety and operational efficiency.
Why It Matters for the AECM Industry
This project represents one of the most significant infrastructure investments in the MBTA Commuter Rail system. For AECM professionals, the project's estimated $1.06 billion budget underscores the substantial economic opportunities available. The upgrade is poised to modernize rail operations, reducing congestion by expanding the corridor from four to six tracks across the Charles River. This expansion will not only minimize service disruptions but also enhance system flexibility and reliability, supporting long-term ridership growth. The use of innovative Alternative Technical Concepts aims to reduce in-water work and simplify construction staging, which could set new benchmarks for future infrastructure projects.
What's Next
Construction is scheduled to commence this month, with completion expected by Fall 2032. During this period, the project will maintain uninterrupted commuter rail and Amtrak service, minimizing disruption to daily operations. AECM professionals should monitor the implementation of innovative design and construction solutions that could influence future infrastructure projects. Stakeholders will be keenly observing how the project leverages advanced techniques to achieve both operational efficiency and safety.
