ATTLEBORO, Mass. (WPRI) — MBTA riders in Southeastern Massachusetts will soon be able to start using the South Attleboro commuter rail station again.

MBTA General Manager Phillip Eng announced the station will be back in service starting May 20, with three inbound trips each morning and three outbound trips every evening.

The station has been closed since February 2021 , when it was determined the pedestrian bridge was unsafe and beyond repair. The structure is now being demolished .

State Rep. James Hawkins told 12 News the inbound and outbound trains will both use the tracks closest to the parking lot, so riders won’t have to cross them to board.

He also said the new footbridge will be built offsite and installed at the station once it’s completed.

WATCH : Rep. Hawkins on the station’s reopening (Story continues below.)

Hawkins called the reopening of the commuter rail a “huge win,” noting that he’s been working on the project since 2018.

“I represent Attleboro, but it’s a benefit for the whole region,” Hawkins added. “We’re going to have an impact on quality of life. People can take the train instead of sitting in back-to-back traffic. We’re going to have impact on climate change, because people aren’t going to be sitting on I-95 idling and stop-and-go traffic.”

During a board meeting on Thursday, MBTA Chief Operating Officer Ryan Coholan said three trips between Providence and Wickford Junction will be removed temporarily due to overnight construction work.

The updated schedule will be posted online .

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