08/24/2026
How do you transform an everyday commuter rail station into a high-capacity transportation hub for one of the world’s largest sporting events—without losing sight of what riders need every day?
Foxboro Station was more than 16 years in the making. VHB helped advance the station from early planning through pilot service, resulting in permanent weekday commuter rail service and continued special-event service, and then designed targeted upgrades to improve the station. However, with strong support from project stakeholders and a clear goal of moving thousands of people to the stadium for seven World Cup matches, the project suddenly faced a new, immovable deadline for completion.
Working alongside the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority - MBTA and a highly coordinated project team, VHB helped accelerate improvements designed to serve two very different needs: creating a more accessible, efficient experience for everyday riders while giving the station the flexibility and capacity to move thousands of passengers during major events at Gillette Stadium.
The permanent station was completed in just 10 months—all while rail operations continued through phased construction—and was recognized by state and MBTA officials as the fastest permanent commuter rail station construction project in MBTA history. During the seven World Cup matches, the MBTA operated 98 round-trip event trains and sold more than 108,940 round-trip tickets.
Today, the station serves as a lasting regional mobility asset and a powerful example of how long-term partnerships can create the foundation for accelerated delivery when it matters most.
Go behind the project to see how 16 years of partnership helped make 10 months of accelerated delivery possible: https://bit.ly/45PQN4K.
