MassDOT Opens East Deerfield Rail Yard Intermodal Facility to Strengthen Freight Network

Highlights

• MassDOT completed the East Deerfield Rail Yard Intermodal Project in Deerfield, Massachusetts.
• The project adds a new train-to-truck transfer facility to improve last-mile freight connections.
• Eight rail yard tracks were upgraded, and truck access infrastructure was added.
• The $5.6 million project was funded through an 80% federal and 20% state funding partnership.

DEERFIELD, Mass. — The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) has completed the East Deerfield Rail Yard Intermodal Project, adding a new intermodal transfer facility that enables freight to move directly between rail and trucks. State officials marked the project's completion with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on July 21.

The new facility is designed to strengthen freight logistics in Western Massachusetts by improving last-mile delivery capabilities and expanding access to intermodal rail services for regional businesses.

Rail Yard Upgrades Expand Freight Handling Capacity

Located along the Interstate 91 and Route 2 corridors, the East Deerfield Rail Yard has traditionally served as a rail switching and maintenance facility supporting freight operations and Amtrak's state-supported Vermonter and Valley Flyer services.

The completed project includes construction of new rail infrastructure that allows intermodal containers to be loaded and unloaded directly within the yard. As part of the work:

• Four existing tracks were rebuilt with new rail, ties, and turnouts to support intermodal operations.
• Four additional tracks were rehabilitated to improve railcar delivery, customer service, and staging operations.
• A former storage area was converted into a truck access zone for loading and unloading freight containers.
• Site grading and roadway base improvements were completed to support truck circulation within the facility.

Investment Supports Economic Development

MassDOT said the new intermodal facility will improve freight efficiency by enabling seamless train-to-truck transfers, supporting regional supply chains and creating new economic opportunities across Western Massachusetts.

The $5.6 million project was funded through an 80% federal and 20% state funding partnership, reflecting continued investment in freight rail infrastructure designed to improve the movement of goods while supporting long-term economic growth.

Source: Mass. Gov.