A $36.19-million contract for station and accessibility improvements was awarded by the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) Fiscal and Management Control Board for the Natick Center Station on the Framingham/Worcester Commuter Rail Line.
Natick Center Station will be rebuilt with two elevators, two accessible ramps and three new stairways. The ground level train platforms will be replaced with full-length, high-level platforms to make passenger boardings easier, safer and faster. The existing pedestrian bridge will be replaced; the canopies will be rebuilt; bicycle parking will be provided; and better signage, wayfinding and emergency lighting will be installed. Drainage and flooding issues will also be addressed by raising the inbound track and upgrading drainage infrastructure.
“We’re really excited to get this project started and provide our Natick area customers with a modern, fully accessible commuter rail facility,” said MBTA General Manager Steve Poftak. “Combined with the MBTA’s recent order of 80 new bi-level passenger coaches, major infrastructure improvements such as these will allow us to provide commuter rail riders with the level of service they expect and deserve.”
During the 30-month construction period, the Natick Center Station will remain open. Work to construct the new platforms will be staggered so that portions of the existing platforms will be demolished and replaced sequentially while the remainder of the platforms are open to riders. During non-peak hours, inbound and outbound trains will use one track only to allow for construction of the new platforms on the opposite track. The contract also includes five weekend shutdowns in service, which are currently being scheduled.
The Notice to Proceed is anticipated to be issued in December 2019. The total contract cost of Natick Center station and accessibility improvements is $36,191,100 and was awarded to Daniel O’Connell and Sons, Inc.
