Governor Patrick Celebrates Completion of Ashmont Station

Friday, October 21, 2011 - Governor Deval Patrick today joined state and local officials to celebrate the reconstruction of Ashmont Station on the MBTA's Red Line in Dorchester. The $84 million Ashmont Station reconstruction is the last of four Dorchester stations to be modernized as part of the Red Line Rehabilitation Project, an overall $158 million investment.

"Accessible, reliable public transportation is critical for our neighborhoods and our economy," said Governor Patrick. "I am proud to celebrate the completion of Ashmont Station, which will provide commuters with a state-of-the-art transit facility at one of the city's busiest transportation hubs."

“As we invest in our transportation infrastructure, rehabilitating the Dorchester stations along the red line, including Ashmont Station, provides a stronger link between the area neighborhoods that will support small businesses and community development,” said Lieutenant Governor Timothy Murray.

Originally built in 1928, Ashmont Station was first modernized in 1976. The newly reconstructed station makes it a state-of-the-art, fully accessible transit facility with two entrances, a new lobby with Charlie Card access to the system, new platforms to accommodate six-car trains, new communications and security systems, and a reconfigured busway.

“Today’s ribbon cutting at Ashmont Station marks the completion of an extensive project to update four key stations in Dorchester, partially with the use of federal transportation dollars," said Congressman Mike Capuano. "Now Red Line commuters have access to a number of upgrades, including platforms, elevators and escalators which will help increase accessibility and improve their overall experience.”

“The rehabilitation of the Ashmont Station and the Red Line will improve transportation access through the heart of Dorchester and bring new vitality to the surrounding area," said Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino. "Projects like this demonstrate why it is so important to invest in transportation and infrastructure in our communities. I would like to congratulate Governor Patrick, MassDOT and the Ashmont neighborhood residents for their collaboration and dedication to bringing this project to fruition."

Additional improvements to Ashmont station include new lighting, new floors and glass curtain walls and canopies, along with site improvements to the path of travel, landscaping, and the construction of Peabody Square Park.

"Today marks the completion of a rehabilitation effort along Dorchester’s Red line corridor that exemplifies the commitment of the Governor, legislature, community leaders and residents to supporting smart investments in public transportation,” said MassDOT Secretary Rich Davey. “Ashmont station is a major transit hub connecting customers to the Red and Mattapan High Speed lines, as well as many bus routes that stretch across the City of Boston.”

In 1999, the state legislature 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 station reopened in 2005, and Fields Corner and Shawmut stations opened in 2008 and 2009, respectively.

“A project of this magnitude can only be realized with continued support from the legislature and the community," said Acting MBTA General Manager Jon Davis. "This is a huge investment for residents of Dorchester and today we celebrate the completion of Ashmont station with the community.”

“It is great that renovations have been made to Ashmont Station," said state Senator Tom McGee, Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Transportation. "By increasing accessibility and making needed improvements, riding the Red Line will be a better experience. Transportation investments such as these are an important piece in continued economic development."

“This day calls for a celebration," said Senator Jack Hart. "The newly renovated Ashmont Station is a shining example of what public investment is all about and how it has and will continue to attract small businesses and capital improvements to the Ashmont community. The investment to Ashmont Station was the catalyst to making the Ashmont neighborhood of Dorchester one of the best places in the Commonwealth.”

“This ribbon cutting has been a long time coming, and I am very excited," said Representative Marty Walsh. "I would like to thank the Governor for his support and the MBTA for being a consistent partner throughout this effort. The appropriation for the Dorchester T stations was the first appropriation I secured as a state representative and I am glad to see these community improvements come to fruition.”

“The completion of this beautiful station has been the result of many years hard work by this community and I am proud to congratulate them,” said Representative Linda Dorcena Forry. “Their efforts have precipitated a renaissance for Peabody Square. From a gleaming new $84 million transit station to the adjacent mixed-use development at the Carruth Building to significant transportation and aesthetic improvements to Dorchester Avenue and Peabody Square, it’s easy to see how one great project can leverage the ability to complete others. Transit-oriented development around Ashmont Station has led to thriving small businesses, significant storefront improvements and an unquestionable sense of rebirth for the Peabody Square neighborhood.”

“The transformation of Ashmont Station brings upscale housing and has helped to revitalize this business district and community," said Representative Russell Holmes. "I am thankful for the Governor’s leadership in a MassDOT community process that enabled the community’s voice to take the lead in crafting the vision for its future.”

“This station is the result of a long, involved process of collaboration between the MBTA and the community," said Boston City Councilor Maureen Feeney. "Our end result is a testament to what we can accomplish working together - what a wonderful day for Dorchester.”