Center Station
Boston is a far easier place to get around than it
used to for many reasons. The completion of the seemingly never
ending Big Dig was one massive improvement, while there have been
countless other upgrades to our rail systems, sidewalks, roads, and
more. In fact, we just recently reported that the State of Massachusetts
has committed an astounding $12 Billion over the next five
years to solely go towards continuously improving our
transportation options. The most recent news, however, comes to us
from the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA), who
have closed the Government Center station to begin work on an $82
Million renovation.
It all started over this past weekend, with the
two-year project being designed by Boston-based HDR Inc., and being
built by Barletta Cos. out of Canton, Massachusetts. To begin, the
exterior of the property will be beautifully landscaped and also
completely modernized. It will see its image transition from its
current brick exterior facade to one that will have a glass and
steel entrance leading to fresh new lobbies and elevators to the
Green and Blue Lines of the MBTA.
Some of the other notable significant changes include
an expanded fare collection area, new lighting throughout the
station, better finishes on the interior of the building, and a new
emergency exit struction along Cambridge Street. On the Green and
Blue Line platforms, brand new retail spaces will be built, while a
new security-monitoring system will be in effect all throughout
every corner of the station.
Officials contemplated keeping the station open during
construction, however that endeavor would have extended the project
for an additional two years and would have costed a further $20
Million. Indeed, the rapid approach seems to be best for all
parties, the city, the MBTA, and all who use this station. Calming
any worry that there will be a great deal of noise at the site of
the construction, Daniel Beaulieu, the project manager representing
the MBTA noted that, The below-grade elements are the bulk of the
work, explaining that most of the construction will occur
underground.
Upon completion in 2016, the Government Center station
will finally be handicapped accessible. Currently, the station is
the ninth busiest amongst all MBTA stops, although it is the
largest transit hub stop lacking wheelchair accessibility. The
station was built in 1898, yet has not undergone a major renovation
since the mid 1960s, hence the opportunistic time to take action
today.
As a slight inconvenience to travellers, the MBTA has said that
people must now detour on the Orange Line through the Downtown
Crossing or Haymarket stations and then board the Blue Line at
State Street. Furthermore, they shared that the MBTA will be
offering special bus services connecting the Haymarket, Bowdoin,
Government Center, and State Street systems together.
More Information: Boston Business
Journal