MBTA’s FMCB awards $17.8 million contract for B Branch Station consolidation work
A $17.8-million contract has been awarded by the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) Fiscal and Management Control Board (FMCB) to MAS Building and Bridge, Inc., to consolidate four existing Green Line B Branch stations into two new stations.
When complete, the new stations that will allow for faster trips down Commonwealth Avenue, provide new accessible platforms compatible with low-floor vehicles and feature improved station elements including new benches, shelters/canopies and safety features.
“Consolidating these four stations into two provides multiple benefits to our B branch customers, including improved station spacing for more consistent time between trains, faster trips down Comm. Ave. to improve reliability and low-level vehicle compatibility to improve accessibility,” said MBTA General Manager Steve Poftak. “While customers will be able to experience these benefits by the fall of 2021, these improvements also set the stage for the transformation of the Green Line as the new stations’ larger platforms will accommodate the new longer cars in procurement for the Green Line.”
As part of the MBTA’s Green Line Transformation Program, the Green Line B Branch Station Consolidation Project will consolidate four existing B Branch stations into two brand new stations on Commonwealth Avenue adjacent to Boston University between Babcock and Amory Streets – St. Paul Street and BU West Stations will be consolidated into one station, and Babcock Street and Pleasant Street Stations will also be consolidated into one station.
The new stations will include longer, low-level platforms in both directions These 225-foot platforms will be able to accommodate three-car train sets and support the future "Type 10" Green Line "supercars." The new stations will also feature 150-foot canopies at each new platform, accessible walkways, new communications and safety/security systems, lighting, signage, new benches and additional station elements. The work also includes demolition of the existing four stations.
Construction will begin in fall 2020 with an anticipated completion in fall 2021. In order to accomplish this work, 32 weekend diversions in B Branch service as well as 32 weekday evening diversions beginning at 9:00 p.m. will be required, which are currently in the process of being scheduled. MBTA customers will be notified well in advance of travel alternatives during construction.
MAS Building and Bridge, Inc., was awarded a total of $17,768,400 with the B Branch Station Consolidation Project budget totaling $29,278,291. The project is being done in coordination with Massachusetts Department of Transportation’s Commonwealth Avenue Phase 2A project and the Commonwealth Avenue Bridge Replacement project.
