Patrick-Murray Administration announces $20M Investment for Construction of a New Plaza and Pedestrian Bridge at Wonderland Station

Revere - Friday, September 16, 2011 - The Department on Conservation and Recreation (DCR) and the MBTA are collaborating with the City of Revere and a private developer to consolidate the at-grade parking around Wonderland Station, at the end of the Blue Line, to provide safer and more convenient pedestrian connections between Wonderland Station, adjacent neighborhoods, and historic Revere Beach to the east.

The project is geared toward consolidating the at-grade parking around Wonderland Station to provide safer and more convenient pedestrian connections between Wonderland Station, adjacent neighborhoods and the historic Revere Beach to the east. Funding for the project came from a $20 million TIGER Grant (Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery) from the United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) in February of 2011. Only 54 projects were funded throughout the United States.

“This is important project for the residents and businesses of Revere,” said MassDOT Secretary Richard A. Davey “The Patrick-Murray Administration is committed to supporting infrastructure improvements that spur economic growth and create jobs, and this project is a shining example of that commitment.”

The following elements contribute to linking the station and the beach:

The Upper Plaza - Above Wonderland Station. This area is constructed over the MBTA tracks linking the east and west sides of the station, thus creating the connection between the garage, busway, infrastructure, adjacent neighborhoods and the new Central Plaza connection. New stairs and elevators on the outbound platform side of the station, paired with the stairs and elevators in the new parking garage on the inbound side, will connect the plaza with the MBTA station.
The Central Plaza - This is the first phase of a larger plaza connecting future development along Ocean Ave and the pedestrian bridge leading to Revere Beach. This plaza is envisioned to be a lively multi-functional public space. Stairs and ramps are provided to accommodate public access.
Ocean Avenue Pedestrian Bridge - Seen as an “Urban Gateway” element. Sized to allow large public events, the bridge links Revere to the ocean both literally and figuratively.
Park Improvements between Ocean Ave. and Revere Beach Blvd. - Approximately 400 linear feet of parkland between Ocean Ave. and Revere Beach Boulevard north of Chester Avenue will be improved, replacing an existing maintenance yard and providing a green, welcoming touchdown point for the bridges. This landscape will feature native trees and ground cover, which will be coordinated with future DCR facilities.
Revere Beach Blvd. Pedestrian Crossing – The Revere Beach Boulevard Pedestrian Crossing will establish a safe at-grade pedestrian crossing from the parkland to historic Revere Beach.

“It is evident we are making great strides with this project as we move on to this next phase that will create jobs and move us closer to our goal,” said MBTA Acting General Manager Jon Davis. “We are demonstrating our commitment to more creative, lasting investments in neighborhoods where direct, user-friendly access to public transportation is vital.”

A cost of $20m, the project has been awarded to Suffolk Construction and is scheduled for completion June 2012.