MBTA announces names of new stations as part of Green Line B Branch Station Consolidation Project
New stations constructed during the upcoming B Branch Station Consolidation Project will be named Babcock Street Station and Amory Street Station, announced the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA).
This station modernization project will consolidate four B Branch stops (BU West with St. Paul Street and Pleasant Street with Babcock Street) into two fully accessible, brand new stations. With longer platforms and protection from the roadway, the consolidated stations will improve safety and save time for riders traveling on Commonwealth Ave.
“This station consolidation project will streamline trips for riders and provide safer, fully accessible platforms,” said MBTA General Manager Steve Poftak. “With safety as our first priority, the new stations will include fencing between the platform and the roadway. We designed these new stations to align with other recent investments in the Commonwealth Ave. corridor to improve safety for riders, pedestrians, bicyclists and vehicles.”
“The Green Line Transformation team has worked closely with the city of Boston, Boston University and other community stakeholders to advance this exciting project,” said MBTA Chief of Green Line Transformation Angel Peña. “The end result will deliver many benefits to all riders of the Green Line – improved lighting, signage, safety and accessibility, plus a faster trip down Comm. Ave.”
Project work will also occur overnight between 10:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. on weekdays and 24/7 over the weekends during 12 months of construction.
To accomplish this work, service will be shut down between Babcock Street and Kenmore Stations on most weeknights and weekends beginning Feb. 15, 2021. Shuttle buses will replace train service with shuttle stops located at Bus Route 57 stops. The MBTA’s shuttle plan includes measures to promote social distancing that protect MBTA riders and workers. The MBTA will also carefully monitor ridership levels on shuttle buses, adjusting service levels if needed.
The current Pleasant Street Station will be decommissioned at the end of service on Feb. 26, 2021. The new Babcock Street Station will ultimately serve riders in this location when the new station opens at the end of construction. During construction of the new, consolidated station, riders will be directed to either St. Paul Street or Babcock Street on weekdays when Green Line trolleys are operating. Pedestrian paths of travel will be clearly marked through the work zone.
Occasional overnight and weekend lane closures will be required to safely carry out construction activities. Minor detours for vehicles may occasionally be needed overnight. However, local access will be maintained and advance warning signs will be posted.
