South Station Transportation Center Improvements

South Station Transportation Center improvements will be completed as part of the South Station Air Rights Project, a collaboration between the Boston Planning & Development Agency (BPDA), the developer Hines, and the MBTA.

In 1977, the BPDA (then the Boston Redevelopment Authority) sold South Station to the T, but maintained ownership of the air rights. In 2016, the BPDA approved the air rights project. 

The nearly five-year project will include privately funded improvements to South Station’s rail and bus terminals in addition to a new, mixed-use tower with both office and residential space. Construction began in January 2020.

What to Expect During This Work

Construction began in 2020 on Atlantic Avenue and the area adjacent to Track 13. Work on the tower began in 2021. The concourse area has been expanded around the Tower Work Zone, maintaining access to all tracks. Passengers will need to use the new bifold doors near Tracks 1 and 2 to access the concourse. 

Current Impacts

The Tower Work Zone at the end of Tracks 5, 6, 7 and 8 has been modified, resulting in an altered path of travel for pedestrians.

A work zone is placed in front of Tracks 5 and 6 to allow for construction of the elevator shafts between the new concourse and bus terminal. This work zone will remain in place for the duration of the project. Tracks 5 and 6 will still be accessible.

The graphic shows the location of a new work zone in front of Tracks 5 and 6, and the temporary closure of access to Atlantic Avenue. All riders should allow an extra five to 10 minutes to navigate the station during construction.

Stairway and ramp access between the station concourse and Atlantic Avenue is restricted to construct a new permanent ramp and stairway. This work zone expansion will remain in place for approximately three to four months.

For accessible access to and from Atlantic Avenue, please use either the main station entrance at the corner of Atlantic Avenue and Summer Street or the Bus Terminal entrance on Atlantic Avenue via the Track 1 platform.

Service Impacts

There are no expected impacts to MBTA service at this time. Please allow an extra five to 10 minutes to navigate the station.

See all MBTA service alerts

Project Stages

The air rights project will be completed in three stages. Construction schedules are subject to change due to weather and other factors.

• Stage 1: 2020 – 2021. Work includes the establishment of construction zones near Atlantic Avenue, Summer Street, and Track 13. Some retail kiosks inside South Station will be moved to accommodate work.
• Stage 2: 2021 – 2022. Work includes expanding the bus terminal and building a parking garage over the existing tracks/platforms. Construction will begin on the foundation and structure of the mixed-use tower.
• Stage 3: 2023 – 2025. Work includes the completion of the South Station Transportation Center with new escalators, stairs, and elevators. The mixed use tower will be completed in 2025.

View the up-to-date construction schedule

How This Work Will Improve South Station

When the South Station Transportation Center improvements are complete, you will be able to transfer more easily and comfortably between the bus and rail terminals at the station.

• The outdoor Commuter Rail concourse area will expand by 67%, and the tracks and platforms will be completely covered.
• Bus terminal capacity will increase by more than 50% and provide more convenient connections to the Commuter Rail.
• New escalators, stairs, and elevators will be available between the bus terminal and main concourse.
• A new indoor bike storage area will be installed.

Learn more about these benefits

For More Information

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