Drilling Activities Continue at Newton Commuter Rail Stations

Updated on September 26, 2022

A Commter Rail train departs Auburndale station, with a coundown clock in the foreground.

We’re planning accessibility upgrades at three Commuter Rail stations on the Framingham/Worcester Line in Newton. Currently, the existing low-level single side platforms can only be accessed by stairways at Auburndale, West Newton, and Newtonville stations.

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.

Learn more

Drilling Work and Schedule

Data collection activities to support design efforts are ongoing, including geotechnical exploration and surveying within the project limits. As part of these activities, the project team will conduct drilling work at Auburndale, West Newton, and Newtonville Stations.

Auburndale drilling work

The MBTA will conduct the following geotechnical drilling activities at and around Auburndale Station:

October 3 – November 4: Crews are anticipated to begin geotechnical drilling activities at and around Auburndale Station the week of October 3, and to complete work the week of November 4.
No work will be conducted October 30 – 31.

This work is necessary for data collection to support design advancement for the proposed station improvements. During portions of the work, temporary single lane and sidewalk closures will be required and some parking spaces will be temporarily unavailable on the south side of Auburn Street in the vicinity of Auburndale Station, from east of Woodbine Street to east of Melrose Street. These restrictions are required for drilling equipment access and to safely conduct drilling activities.

The MBTA will conduct the following geotechnical drilling activities at and around Auburndale Station:

October 3 – November 4: Crews are anticipated to begin geotechnical drilling activities at and around Auburndale Station the week of October 3, and to complete work the week of November 4.
No work will be conducted October 30 – 31.

West Newton drilling work

The MBTA is conducting geotechnical drilling work at West Newton Station. This work is necessary for data collection to support design of the proposed station improvements and is scheduled to be completed by the week of October 10.

Newtonville drilling work

The MBTA is conducting geotechnical drilling activities at Newtonville Station. This work is necessary for data collection to support design of the proposed station improvements and is scheduled to be completed by the week of October 3.

What to Expect if You Live in the Neighborhood

Most of the work will start at approximately 12 AM and continue through 5 AM. There will be some noise and temporary lighting during this work. The project team is committed to minimizing disruptions to the community. Please note that the schedule for this work is dependent on weather and subject to change without notice.

View Drilling Activities Flyer