The passenger rail service that will run between Pittsfield and New York City is still several years away. Earlier this month Massachusetts purchased the Berkshire line form the Housatonic Railroad Company. But Berkshire Regional Planning Commission spokesperson Clete Kus says a number of major improvements must be made before the trains are up and running.

“The entire rail line that exists, the ties and the steel rail, most of that is nearly 100-years-old, in very poor condition. All of the ties and rails are going to be replaced.”

Kus says the project will cost an estimated 35 million dollars for initial track improvements. He says several bridges along the Housatonic River also need improvements, and crossing gates will be built for roads in more rural communities.