MBTA announces timeline for South Attleboro Station accessibility improvements project construction work

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority’s (MBTA) Capital Delivery team will perform early construction work beginning this fall in support of the South Attleboro Station Accessibility Improvements Project on the Providence/Stoughton Commuter Rail line.  

The project recently reached 100 percent design and demolition work on the current pedestrian bridge will begin this fall 2022. 

“We’re excited to see these upcoming station upgrades reach 100 percent design and look forward to acquiring the necessary construction funding to make these critical repairs and important accessibility improvements at South Attleboro so that we can return Commuter Rail service to the station,” said MBTA General Manager Steve Poftak. “The work taking place at the station are major steps in that effort and we’re pleased that we’re able to accomplish this work during overnight hours so that train service is unaffected.” 

First opened in 1990, South Attleboro station needs repairs and does not meet current accessibility standards. Commuter Rail service at South Attleboro station has also been temporarily suspended since February 2021 due to the deteriorated condition of the pedestrian bridge at the station. With previous inspections indicating that the pedestrian bridge required a full replacement, the South Attleboro Station Accessibility Improvement Project was put in place to replace the pedestrian bridge.  

With a design that began in summer 2020 and a budget of approximately $7 million, the South Attleboro Station Accessibility Improvements Project has reached 100 percent design. When fully complete, the project will provide critical accessibility upgrades, code compliance and customer experience improvements throughout the station. As the 100 percent final design is being reviewed, the MBTA is actively working to acquire construction funding for the full reconstruction of the South Attleboro station.  

When the work is complete, the newly modernized South Attleboro Station will be fully accessible, providing better bus and pedestrian connections. In addition to new high-level and accessible platforms as well as three new elevators, three new bus bays will be added to the station in order to support service between Attleboro, Taunton and parts of Rhode Island.  

Additional improvements to come to South Attleboro as part of the project include: 

• Improved signage and paths of travel for riders; 
• A new pedestrian bridge connecting the West Parking Lot to Commuter Rail platforms;  
• The reconstruction of the Collins Street Ramp and sidewalk;  
• Consolidated vehicle and bus drop-off areas; 
• New bicycle shelters; 
• Enhanced safety features, including upgraded lighting, fencing, security cameras, communication systems and fire protection;  
• Roadway upgrades adjacent to the station; and  
• Improvements to the parking lot, stairways and walkways, including new pavement and relocated accessible parking spots.  

Construction at South Attleboro Station 

Early construction activity will take place intermittently at the station through February 2023. During construction periods, the access road next to the station will be closed from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. and the station’s east and west parking lots will be unavailable. 

Construction work to demolish the station’s pedestrian bridge will occur in fall 2022. With work taking place during the overnight hours, no Commuter Rail service will be affected by the work. Construction advisories will be posted in advance to alert the neighboring community as the work to take place this fall is confirmed and scheduled.