The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) will perform nearly continuous work for seven weeks this April as part of the Green Line Transformation Program’s B Branch Station Consolidation Project and the Building a Better T Program.
Accessible shuttle buses will replace Green Line B branch trolley service between Washington Street and Kenmore Stations beginning at the start of service on April 17 through May 9, as well as from May 17 through June 13, including both weekdays and weekends. Evening shuttles will also replace B Branch service from Washington Street to Kenmore from May 10 through May 12 after 8:45 p.m.
During this diversion in B Branch service, crews will continue to perform work to consolidate four 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 called Amory Street Station, and Babcock Street and Pleasant Street Stations will be consolidated into one station called Babcock Street Station.
“With safety as our first priority, our shuttle plan includes measures that promote physical distancing, and face coverings are required on shuttle buses and throughout the T system,” said MBTA General Manager Steve Poftak. “We know these shutdowns can be inconvenient, and we appreciate our customers’ understanding as we accomplish this important work on a faster timeline that allows us to deliver improvements more quickly.”
“The B Branch work taking place from April into June provides improvements in the short term with faster, more reliable trips along Comm. Ave. by late 2021, and also prepares the T for the future as the new stations’ larger platforms accommodate the new longer cars being procured for the Green Line,” said Chief of Green Line Transformation Angel Peña. “We have also worked closely with the community and with Boston University to ensure that the construction plans and impacts are shared broadly with riders and B Branch neighbors. GLT will continue to provide weekly project updates and keep residents, businesses, and riders informed as we work to deliver improved service along Commonwealth Avenue months ahead of the original schedule.”
With a total project budget of more than $29 million, the new stations will include longer, raised platforms in both directions at each new station. These 225-foot platforms will be able to accommodate 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 began in February 2021 with an anticipated completion in late 2021. The project is being accomplished in coordination with Massachusetts Department of Transportation Commonwealth Avenue Phase 2A project and the Commonwealth Avenue Bridge Replacement project.
