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- calendar_today October 28, 2026
Major Federal Investment Bolsters Southwestern Vermont Rail
The Vermont Agency of Transportation is set to receive $60.3 million in federal funding to upgrade 60 miles of rail along the Western Corridor stretching from Rutland to North Bennington. This investment, announced earlier this week, comes from the federal Department of Transportation and is supported by U.S. Representative Becca Balint, Senator Bernie Sanders, and Senator Peter Welch.
Modernizing Freight Rail Infrastructure
The project aims to replace the “old stick rail”—traditional jointed tracks held together by bolts—with continuous welded rail along the western corridor railway. According to Dan Delabruere, Rail Director at the Vermont Agency of Transportation, this upgrade will eliminate the joints that currently slow down travel and hinder efficiency. The new continuous welded rail is heavier and supports faster, safer rail transport.
Delabruere emphasized that the improved rail infrastructure would enhance safety and efficiency for freight rail, resulting in faster shipping of goods for businesses and reducing costs for companies and customers. Efficient rail transport, he explained, can have significant benefits for local businesses challenged by the difficulties of shipping large volumes of goods.
Economic Impact for Local Businesses
Sarah Furman, Executive Director of the Chamber & Economic Development of the Rutland Region, described the federal funding as “a step in the right direction.” Furman noted that supporting the region’s transportation infrastructure can encourage business growth and retention. “We need to do more to encourage more businesses here and to keep the businesses that we have, so every little bit helps, and I think this is a large investment that’s going to make a big difference,” she said.
Historical Context of Vermont Rail
The rail industry in southwestern Vermont has faced substantial challenges over the past century. The cessation of Rutland Railroad passenger services in 1953 was considered a major blow to the region’s economy, according to Vermont historian and professor Paul Searls. The subsequent construction of interstate highways bypassed Rutland and Bennington counties, further isolating the area and impacting its economic development.
Attempts to reinvigorate rail service included the formation of the Vermont Association of Railroad Passengers in 1972 by Herbert Ogden, a key advocate for restoring passenger routes. In 1996, Amtrak’s Ethan Allen Express brought passenger rail back to Rutland, and in 2015, a state-led initiative extended the line to Burlington, completed in 2022.
Looking Ahead: Freight and Potential Passenger Rail Expansion
While the current focus is on freight rail, future plans include the possibility of establishing passenger rail from Rutland through Bennington County and into New York. Delabruere indicated that the present upgrade of the Western corridor is a necessary step should the state choose to pursue this expansion. "This is a step that could benefit that decision," he said.
Christopher Parker, former executive director of the Vermont Rail Action Network, highlighted the minimal disruption and economical benefits of improving rail infrastructure where connections already exist. He also emphasized that investing in both freight and passenger rail can stimulate economic growth, drawing tourists and new residents to the region. "Rutland doesn’t have an interstate, and having the train is a big deal for people who live there and work there," Parker said.
Conclusion: A New Chapter for Vermont Rail
The $60.3 million investment marks a significant enhancement for the western corridor railway, with immediate benefits for freight transport efficiency and the potential to lay groundwork for expanded passenger service. As Vermont continues to revitalize its rail infrastructure, the local economy stands to gain from improved shipping, lower business costs, and opportunities for future connectivity.
Source: vtdigger.org.
