It's not a total loss. Given the number of delays due to delayed meets between commuters and Amtrak or commuters and freights, I'd say it's worth it. Especially in the mornings given PAR's tendency at times to try to squeeze freights through between commuter runs. It's not perfect, but its A) what the funding will pay for right now*, and B) what can get done quickly, since anything larger than this is going to require station construction, which will likely encounter considerable opposition and delay in Andover, depending on the plans involved. Remember that a big part of the very much not-firm plans for any changes at the Andover station involve the relocation of the DPW yard on the east side of the tracks, which is still a ways off (if it happens).
*And since it's stimulus funds, it does have to be spent quickly - that's a part of the deal with this money.
Wondering if I'll see the Western Route double-tracking finished before I retire...
Photo: Melbourne W7 No. 1019 on Route 78, Bridge & Church Streets, Richmond, Victoria. 10/21/2010