MBTA marks completion of the B Branch Station Consolidation Project

Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) and Boston University officials celebrated the completion of the B Branch Station Consolidation Project on Nov. 16.

The $29 billion project consolidated four stops into two accessible stations: Babcock Street station and Amory Street station. Green Line riders can now experience boarding via new accessible platforms compatible with low-floor vehicles and improved station elements as part of the Green Line Transformation (GLT) program.

The ribbon-cutting event showcased the completion and opening of the project ahead of schedule. By accomplishing seven weeks of 24/7 accelerated work on the B Branch, the GLT team was able to complete both stations months in advance, as well as upgrade two intersections and renew 5,000 feet of track on the B Branch.

“Since it was initiated, GLT has worked with our municipal partners to implement many improvements on the B Branch and across the entire Green Line. Built in less than a year, the B Branch Consolidation project improves safety and accessibility as well as shortening the ride in this busy area,” said MBTA General Manager Steve Poftak. “The completion of this project, alongside track and intersection upgrades, not only improves the efficiency of Commonwealth Ave., but also enriches the experience of riders from Boston College to downtown.”

In addition to new accessibility, the stations feature new benches, shelters and safety features and the longer platforms will accommodate MBTA’s future fleet of Type 10 cars, which will begin to arrive by 2026. Consolidating the stations also supports faster and more reliable transportation along Commonwealth Avenue.

“I want to personally thank our riders and the communities we serve along the B Branch for their patience as we made these critical accessibility improvements, bringing two new accessible stations to the Green Line,” said MBTA Chief of Capital Transformation Angel Peña. “As we continue to make significant investments to our infrastructure, we are not only thinking about improvements to meet the needs of today, but also those of the future. This kind of holistic planning yields a more efficient use of funding and minimizes the amount of disruption to service for all riders.”

Throughout construction, the GLT Team implemented standard mitigation strategies to minimize noise disruptions to the Boston University neighborhood. A 24/7 noise hotline was also available to report noise issues. As well as providing alternative service during nights and weekends from February 2021 to November 2021, GLT paused construction for major campus events and all Boston University Commencements.

“Boston University congratulates Governor Baker, Secretary Tesler and General Manager Poftak on the completion of this project,” said President of Boston University Robert A. Brown, Ph.D. “The Green Line Transformation team has been a valued partner during the past nine months of construction. The opening of the new stations at Amory Street and Babcock Street will, I am confident, improve the ridership experience for BU and the community.”