Morton Street Station To Be Rebuilt/Modernized

In a unanimous vote today, the Board of Directors for the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority awarded a $6.5 million contract for the complete reconstruction of the Morton Street Commuter Rail Station in Mattapan. The S&R Construction Company submitted the lowest bid of eight received by the MBTA. After the station’s existing walls and platforms are demolished, the contractor will build elevated train platforms to provide for level boarding, steel canopies, a pedestrian bridge, sidewalks, ramps, and stairways. The modernization project also includes benches, lighting, drainage systems, landscaping, and new signage. “Governor Romney and Lt. Governor Healey have long advocated providing clean, efficient, and affordable transit alternatives to as many people as possible,” said Transportation Secretary John Cogliano. “This is really a win-win situation. The enhancements to the Fairmount Line will attract more people to a great transportation alternative in the heart of Boston, and the increased ridership and revenue will allow the MBTA to continue to advance even more critical infrastructure improvement projects.” “Today’s vote by our Board of Directors reinforces the MBTA’s commitment to re-invest in the transit system’s existing infrastructure,” said MBTA General Manager Daniel A. Grabauskas. “By improving accessibility, safety, and cleanliness, we enhance customer service and attract new riders by making the T the best alternative for commuting.” The awarding of the Morton Street Station contract marks another milestone in the MBTA’s aggressive plans to overhaul and expand the only Commuter Rail line that lies entirely within the City of Boston. More than $37 million will be spent for Phase I: The renovation and rehabilitation of stations, bridges, tracks, and signal systems on the 9-mile long Fairmount Line. The reconstruction of Uphams Corner Station began in April. Under Phase II of the project, plans call for the construction of new stations at Four Corners, Talbot Avenue, Blue Hill Avenue, and the Newmarket area. The addition of new stations and the upgrades to the existing infrastructure are projected to more than triple ridership on the railroad between South Station and Readville.