Design-Build learning in action: Certification Workshop draws sold-out crowd at MBTA Headquarters. By Kristine Gorman, Vice President, DBIA New England Region · August 21, 2026 DBIA New England was proud to partner with Elena Franks, AIA Intl., MBA, PMP, DBIA, Deputy Chief of Contract Services at the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority, and with DBIA National, to host a sold-out DBIA Certification Workshop from 17 to 19 August 2026 at MBTA Headquarters in Boston. The three-day program attracted 40 participants representing owners, public agencies, contractors, designers, and consultants from across New England, underscoring the growing demand for design-build education and professional development. Participants engaged in discussions on the key elements of successful design-build delivery, including procurement strategies, team selection, risk allocation, contract structures, collaborative problem solving, and stakeholder alignment. Throughout the workshop, attendees explored the principles of Design-Build Done Right, DBIA's nationally recognized best-practices framework, while sharing lessons learned from real project delivery. The curriculum. The workshop featured DBIA National's core certification curriculum: Setting the Stage for Design-Build Success, Collaborating for Exceptional Outcomes, and Contracts and Risk Management. These courses provide the foundational knowledge required for DBIA certification and are taught by experienced instructors trained to deliver practical, industry-tested guidance. MBTA's commitment. MBTA's leadership has been a driving force behind these workshops. This certification program is part of a three-part series designed to advance design-build expertise among MBTA staff. As the agency expands its use of design-build delivery, it is also recognizing the DBIA credential as a valuable indicator of design-build knowledge and commitment within competitive procurements. That investment reflects a dedication to building collaborative teams capable of delivering successful infrastructure projects. DBIA New England extends its sincere appreciation to MBTA for hosting the workshop, and to DBIA National for providing exceptional instructors and educational content. The strong participation and engagement throughout the program reaffirm the momentum behind collaborative project delivery across New England. The next workshop. For those unable to attend, DBIA National and DBIA New England will offer another Boston-area certification workshop from 16 to 18 November 2026 at MBTA Headquarters. Interested professionals are encouraged to register early, as demand for these programs continues to grow. Registration opens 60 days before the start of the class. The future of design-build depends on knowledgeable, collaborative leaders. Judging by the enthusiasm and dialogue throughout this workshop, that future is bright.

Save on Commuter Rail trips this fall in massachusetts & rhode island. Two of summer's most popular Commuter Rail fare promotions are extending through November, so you can fall in love with adventures this autumn. 50% Off Monthly Passes and $1 Companion Weekends will continue until November 30, 2026, and a new initiative is launching to help seniors get around car-free. 50% Off Monthly Commuter Rail Pass extended through November. Throughout September, October, and November, you can purchase a monthly Commuter Rail Pass for Zones and Interzone 1-10, and ferry travel, at 50% off. This popular summer promotion is extending through the fall, giving you more chances to save while you explore. You can buy a monthly pass with Auto-pay from fare vending machines, at ticket windows, and on mTicket. Perq customers will get their discounts automatically. This discount does not apply to Zone 1A passes or non-monthly passes. Bring a friend for $1 on weekends when you're a monthly passholder extended through November. Fall is full of perfect pairings like pumpkin and spice, and through the end of November, if you are a monthly passholder, you can bring a friend along on weekends anywhere your pass covers for just $1 each way. $1 tickets can be purchased either by the passholder or friend in the mTicket app before boarding the Commuter Rail. A conductor will validate the ticket once on board. The discount is limited to one single companion per passholder and does not apply to CapeFLYER or special event trains Car-free seniors ride for free on massachusetts Commuter Rail lines. The RMV and MBTA are collaborating on a new fare pilot in Fall 2026. Massachusetts residents age 75 years and above without a driver's license will be eligible for free travel across all MBTA bus, subway, Commuter Rail, and ferry services. Things to do & weekend trip ideas across New England on the Commuter Rail. Even if you don't commute by train every day, your monthly pass can help you make the most of your weekends this autumn, especially when you can bring a friend along for just $1 each way. Massbytrain has highlighted some of the must-visit attractions you can reach by Commuter Rail, making it easy to enjoy everything the season has to offer through November 30. Travel to rhode island in September for PVD Fest. On September 18 and 19, 2026, downtown Providence is transforming into PVD Fest. This festival brings the community together through celebrating creativity, music, arts, and culture. To experience the excitement of PVD Fest, take the Providence/Stoughton Line to Providence Station for a convenient trip to the festival. Travel to the north shore in October for Salem's haunted happenings. When you take the Newburyport/Rockport Line, you can ride directly into Salem Station, putting you minutes away from Salem's top attractions. While the Witch City always has festive things to do, it truly becomes magical around Halloween. Visit Salem during October to experience hauntingly beautiful streets, historic landmarks, and iconic Halloween movie sites for the ultimate spooky season experience. Explore the south coast in November for thanksgiving celebrations. Take the Kingston Line to Kingston Station, and then take a quick rideshare to downtown Plymouth. Plymouth's historic landmarks are a must-see, especially during the fall, but there is so much more to explore beyond the symbolic landing site of the Pilgrims. Take time to wander through downtown to visit quaint local shops, breweries, and restaurants to experience the town's modern-day charm. Travel around New England with Keolis massAdventures. Create unforgettable memories with Keolis massAdventures guided tours. The local tour guides are experts on New England's hidden gems and most sought-after seasonal festivities, bringing you to cranberry bogs, the Topsfield Fair, the Plimoth Patuxet Museums, and more!

More details announced on projects receiving federal funds. David Lassen Sat, August 15, 2026 at 12:09 PM PDT * MBTA has received a $139.6 million grant for Haverhill Line improvements, including second track construction, high-level platforms, fencing, and signal upgrades. Recipients of federal funding under the National Railroad Partnership Program are fleshing out details of their projects as they react to their selection under the competitive grant program. The Department of Transportation and Federal Railroad Administration announced some $5.3 billion in funding for 41 projects in an announcement on Friday, Aug. 14, at Cincinnati Union Terminal - a somewhat ironic location for unveiling passenger rail funding given the sparse Amtrak service available in the city. The projects were selected from a pool of 103 applicants seeking more than $11.6 billion, FRA Administrator David Fink said. All recipients are responsible for at least 20% in matching funds. Additional details are now available for these projects: Haverhill Line improvements, Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority: The $139.6 million grant will help fund approximately 6.8 miles of second track between Reading and Andover, the MBTA said. Other aspects of the project will include high-level platforms at the Reading, North Wilmington, Ballardvale, and Andover stations to improve accessibility; 10 miles of new fencing to help prevent trespassing; and improved signals at 15 grade crossings. "New double track gives us more operational flexibility and the ability to decrease commute time along the line," MBTA General Manager Phillip Eng, also the interim state transportation secretary, said in a press release. "Upgrading four stations with high-level platforms is another step closer to a fully accessible MBTA system, and modernizing our signals will help to move trains more safely and reliably through the intercity area." Piedmont Corridor Safety Program, North Carolina Department of Transportation: The $299.7 million grant will help fund the construction of almost 6 miles of second track, eliminate six grade crossings and construct two new highway bridges in Guilford County, close three grade crossings and build two bridges in Durham County, and establish a new anti-trespassing program. NCDOT said additional information about individual improvements and the project schedule will be announced as planning and design progress. "This federal investment will make passenger rail safer and more reliable, reduce delays, and improve connectivity from Raleigh to Charlotte," Gov. Josh Stein said in a press release. "As more North Carolinians choose NC By Train, we are building a stronger transportation network that will keep North Carolinians moving safely and efficiently for decades to come." Texas grade crossing projects, Texas Department of Transportation: TxDOT said it had provided $77.6 million in state funding to help land more than $755 million in four grants to address 12 grade-crossing separation projects throughout the state. The total local, state, and federal funding for the projects is more than $953 million. All the crossings are on Amtrak routes. "By leveraging state funding to secure significant federal funding for rail grade separation projects, we will be able to improve rail and road safety for all Texans," Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick said in a press release. Said TxDOT Executive Director Marc Williams, "By eliminating at-grade rail crossings, we can improve safety, reduce congestion, and keep people and goods moving more efficiently." The projects involved are in seven counties, with three each in Bexar and Fort Bend counties, and one each in Dallas, El Paso, Guadalupe, Harris, and Tarrant counties. A list of the exact locations is included in the press release referenced above. Local governments received funding for two other Texas grade crossing projects. Two Virginia projects: U.S. Sens. Tim Kaine and Mark Warner addressed two projects in a joint press release. The $15.6 million grant to the Virginia Passenger Rail Authority's Stanton Station project will provide state-of-good-repair and accessibility work including upgrades to the station platform and canopy, and development of accessible routes including handrails and curb ramps. The Curtis Street and West Street Crossing Improvements funds awarded to Chesterfield County will support preparations for a future grade separation project and the closure of two at-grade crossings. Referring also to the $2.05 billion for new Amtrak rolling stock, the two senators said the money "will help modernize the Amtrak services that folks rely on, improve accessibility in Staunton, and lay the groundwork for safer rail crossings in Chesterfield County." - Trains.com will continue to provide more information on projects receiving National Railroad Partnership Program funding as it becomes available. To report news or errors, contact [email protected].