Improvements Set for MBTA South Shore Red Line Stations and Garages
The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA), which is already purchasing new cars and upgrading signal and other infrastructure on the Red Line, will discuss major improvements and renovations at stations and garages on the South Shore at four public meetings that begin next week.
State-of-the-art safety features, major accessibility improvements, and additional parking are some of the improvements to be made during projects renovating Wollaston Station, partially demolishing the Quincy Center Garage, and major overhauls to the parking facilities at Quincy Adams and Braintree Stations.
"We sometimes refer to the Red Line as the 'Jobs Line' because of its critical role in moving people from their homes to their jobs," said MBTA Chief Administrator and Acting General Manager Brian Shortsleeve. "The generational investment we are making in Red Line vehicles and infrastructure will deliver significant and lasting benefits not just to Red Line riders, but to their communities and the region's economy."
The T has already committed $911 million to Red Line projects, including 252 new Red Line cars that will begin full revenue service in November 2019. The South Shore parking renovations are just part of a series of signal, rail, and other infrastructure upgrades.
The Wollaston Station Improvements Project will transform that station, which is currently the only non-accessible station on the Red Line, into a modern, fully accessible facility, making the entirety of the Red Line 100-percent accessible. New features and upgrades to the station include additional customer paths, brand new elevators, upgraded stairways, new bathrooms, and additional lighting. New electrical, fire protection, security, flooding mitigation, and site utility upgrades will also occur to support the accessible improvements. Construction of the project is proposed from July 2017 through June 2020 with an estimated construction value of $38 million. To most efficiently complete the project and achieve the best customer experience, the station will temporarily close during the 20-month construction period and be replaced with dedicated bus service between Wollaston and North Quincy Stations. Previous MBTA successes in renovation construction with station shutdowns include Government Center, Orient Heights, and Science Park Stations.
The five-level parking garage at Quincy Center Station was closed in July 2012 due to structural concerns. Removal and demolition of the garage above Level 2 will occur in order to advance transit-oriented development around the station and Phase 1 of the Quincy Center Station Air Rights Redevelopment Project. The existing elevator will also be completely replaced and an accessible entrance at Burgin Parkway will be added. Construction of the project will occur from July 2017 through December 2018 for a construction value of $25 million. The station will remain open and fully functional during construction.
Renovations to the garages at Braintree and Quincy Adams will feature improved parking space layout and an increased number of spaces. Also included are structural repairs, replaced drainage systems, upgraded fire alarm, CCTV, electrical, and emergency power systems, and full replacement of lighting systems. Braintree Garage will feature a brand new lobby, redundant elevators, and improved stairways with construction at Quincy Adams Garage featuring Centre Street Bridge repairs.
Accessibility upgrades include two new elevators at Braintree Garage as well as improvements to both garages in wayfinding signage and better traffic circulation for accessibility vehicles, wheelchair access, and pedestrian movement. Braintree Garage's construction is scheduled to occur from September 2017 through August 2019 with a construction value of $31 million. Quincy Adams Garage construction is scheduled to occur from September 2017 through December 2020 with a construction value of $42 million. Both garages will remain in service during this construction period.
Four public meetings are scheduled regarding the South Shore stations projects in which project managers will discuss engineering plans, project timelines, project mitigation, and other project-related topics:
Wollaston Station Renovation:
Tuesday, April 4
2:00 p.m.
Tobin Towers, Dining Hall, 80 Clay Street, Quincy
Tuesday, April 4
6:30 p.m.
Central Middle School, Auditorium, 875 Hancock Street, Quincy
Quincy Center Garage Demolition:
Thursday, April 6
6:30 p.m.
Old City Hall, Lower Level Meeting Room, 1305 Hancock Street, Quincy
Quincy Adams Garage Renovation:
Tuesday, April 11
6:30 p.m.
Lincoln Hancock School, Cafeteria, 300 Granite Street, Quincy
