Green Line Extension (GLX)
The Green Line Extension (GLX) extends the northern end of the Green Line from Lechmere to Union Square in Somerville and College Avenue in Medford.
- Contract awarded: November 2017
- Construction schedule:
- Union Branch: Opened March 21, 2022
- Medford Branch: Opened December 12, 2022
- Budget: $2.3 billion
- Status: Complete
GLX provides service in areas that historically did not have access to fast and reliable public transit. By supporting an increased ridership of more than 50,000 trips per day, this project will significantly reduce vehicle emissions on the road.
The GLX Community Path is in its final phase of construction and is expected to open in mid-June 2023. Final work items are underway to prepare for public access. The MBTA and City of Somerville have agreed for the City to become the operator of the Community Path. This section will complete the connection from Bedford, MA into Cambridge, Boston, and beyond.
Building a Better T
As part of our $9.6 billion, 5-year capital investment plan, we're renovating stations, modernizing fare collection systems, upgrading services for our buses, subways, and ferries, and improving the accessibility of the entire system.
Project Features
- A new Green Line branch on existing Lowell Commuter Rail tracks, from Lechmere to Medford
- A new Green Line branch on existing Fitchburg Commuter Rail tracks, from Lechmere to Union Square in Somerville
- The relocation and reconstruction of Lechmere station in Cambridge, plus six new additional T stations: Union Square, East Somerville, Gilman Square, Magoun Square, Ball Square, and Medford/Tufts.
- A new vehicle storage and maintenance facility
On December 12, Green Line service will change as follows:
- E Branch trains will terminate at Medford/Tufts
- D Branch trains will terminate at Union Square
Rider Benefits
- Create additional transportation routes in the Medford and Somerville neighborhoods
- Reduce the number of vehicles on local roads to improve traffic concerns
- Support municipal plans for sustainability and urban redevelopment
How to Pay for Your Fare
Riders will need to validate their fare at all GLX stations. Riders should tap their CharlieCards or tappable CharlieTickets at the fare vending machines prior to boarding.
These upgraded fare vending machines are at the following stations:
Note: Old, insertable CharlieTickets can only be validated at onboard fare boxes.
Bridge Updates
As part of this project, we updated these bridges:
| Location | Status | Schedule | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Location | Washington Street Bridge/Underpass | Status | Open | Schedule | Reopened May 31, 2020. |
| Location | Broadway Bridge | Status | Open | Schedule | Reopened June 6, 2020. |
| Location | Medford Street Bridge | Status | Open | Schedule | Reopened July 1, 2022. |
| Location | School Street Bridge | Status | Closed | Schedule | Reopened December 9, 2022. |
Photo Gallery
An operator stands by as a rider in a wheeled mobility device boards a Green Line train at Lechmere (March 2022)
A Route 88 bus stops at the Lechmere busway (March 2022)
A Green Line train breaks a ribbon at the Union Branch opening ceremony (March 2022)
A group of elected officials and community activists cut a ceremonial ribbon at Lechmere (March 2022)
A Green Line train approaches Lechmere during the Union Branch opening ceremony (March 2022)
Past Events
Downloads
Public Meetings
Awarded Contract
- GLX Contract Terms and Conditions (12 MB)
- GLX Technical Proposal, Part 1 (86 MB)
- GLX Technical Proposal, Part 2 (71 MB)
- GLX Technical Specifications (86 MB)
- GLX Technical Provisions (23 MB)
Non-awarded Proposals
Contact Us
For questions and comments related to the Green Line Extension (GLX), please contact the GLX Project Team at info@glxinfo.com or 617-222-3200.
Recent Updates
Related Projects
Building a Better T
As part of our $9.6 billion, 5-year capital investment plan, we're renovating stations, modernizing fare collection systems, upgrading services for our buses, subways, and ferries, and improving the accessibility of the entire system.