Governor Patrick, Mayor Menino Celebrate Completion of Fields Corner Station

Contact : Adam Hurtubise, (617) 973-8093 (EOT)
Klark Jessen,(617) 973-7019 (EOT)

Emphasizing the Patrick-Murray Administration’s commitment to enhanced public transportation, Governor Deval Patrick joined Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino this morning in celebrating the reconstruction of Fields Corner Station on the MBTA’s Red Line in Dorchester. The $30 million Fields Corner Station project is part of the Dorchester Red Line Rehabilitation Project. Fields Corner is now a fully accessible, state-of-the-art facility that is in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and boasts a brand new bus way and station lobby complete with new elevators and an escalator, along with updated communications and security systems.

“The Fields Corner Station is a vital transportation link and revitalizing it has been a key priority for the state and the community for some time now,” said Governor Patrick. “Today’s opening is a great achievement that promises to bring better services and significant benefits to our public transit users, the MBTA and neighborhoods and businesses the station serves.”

"In hard economic times with gas nearly $4 a gallon, this station serves as yet another motivating factor for people to utilize public transportation," said Mayor Thomas Menino. "The community has just finalized a framework for an improved Dorchester Avenue and this station will help bring people to and from this wonderful new destination."

Originally built in 1928, Fields Corner Station is one of four Dorchester stations identified for a complete reconstruction and the second station to be finished. Additional renovations to the station include new platforms to accommodate six-car trains, new lighting, landscaping and signage, and installation of the Charlie Card system.

"It's critical that we invest in public transportation in our urban neighborhoods," said Transportation Secretary Bernard Cohen. "The residents of Fields Corner rely on the Red Line and the bus connections available here. The T is providing a vital public service, and these improvements will make that experience safer, more convenient, and more comfortable."

The state legislature in 1999 appropriated $67 million for the Dorchester Red Line Rehabilitation Project. The Savin Hill, Fields Corner, Shawmut, and Ashmont stations were redesigned with active support from Dorchester legislators and the community to address the needs of each neighborhood location. The project was awarded to Barletta Construction in September 2003. Savin Hill reopened in 2005. Shawmut station is substantially complete with minor work remaining. Ashmont Station is slated for completion in 2009.

"This is a great day for the Fields Corner Neighborhood and those who were committed to this renovation. As Chair of the Committee on Economic Development, I recognize the positive economic impacts of public investments such as this renovation. As a resident of the city, I am proud to be a part of this project as it models the commitment to the future of the neighborhood and its residents," said Senator Jack Hart.

“Quality transportation is critical to the economic viability of many families in Fields Corner. The reconstruction of the Fields Corner Redline station is decades overdue. It is a powerful symbol of a successful partnership between government and its citizens,” said Representative Marie St. Fleur.

“I am very excited about the grand opening of the Fields Corner station; it is long overdue. I would like to commend Governor Patrick and General Manager for their hard work to bring the residents of Fields Corner the first-class MBTA station that they deserve,” said Representative Martin J. Walsh.

Appreciative of the support from the Dorchester delegation and the on-going community involvement, the General Manager said, “We couldn’t have come this far without the support of the legislature and feedback from the community. Thank you for your patience and support over the years. Today we celebrate everyone’s hard work and dedication.”