Hoosac Tunnel in North Adams reopens to trains

By MARY BYRNE

Staff Writer

Published: 04-08-2020 12:03 PM

NORTH ADAMS — The Hoosac Tunnel reopened to trains on Saturday after a two-month closure for repairs.

The tunnel closed to traffic on Feb. 12 after a “partial wall collapse,” according to Cynthia Scarano, executive vice president of Pan Am Railways, a regional railroad system headquartered in Billerica.

Although the tunnel has reopened, repair work continues at the site.

“We are still giving them a window to do some work,” Scarano said. “We’re running trains through and then we’re giving them some time in the tunnel to continue doing work there.”

Scarano said Pan Am Railways received support from CSX, Norfolk Southern Railway and Vermont Railway during the tunnel’s closure.

“Depending on who was shipping what, they were rerouting it for us,” she said. “We’re very thankful for all those railroads and their assistance.”

Approximately eight to 10 trains run through the tunnel on a daily basis, she added.

The 4.7-mile tunnel, which opened in 1875, connects the Berkshire towns of North Adams and Florida. Scarano said the bridge was last closed for repairs in 1972.

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Mary Byrne can be reached at mbyrne@recorder.com or 413-772-0261, ext. 263.

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