Green Line Extension

Green Line Extension
Line name	Green Line Extension
Type	Rapid transit
System	Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority
Locale	Boston, Massachusetts
Start	Union Square, Somerville
End	College Avenue
Ridership	52,000 (projected)
Owner	Massachusetts Department of Transportation

Green Line Extension is a Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority project aimed at extending the Green Line from Lechmere to Medford and Somerville. The project involves the construction of six new stations, including Union Square, Somerville, Washington Street, Gilman Square, Magoun Square, Ball Square, and College Avenue. The extension is expected to improve public transportation in the Boston area, particularly in Somerville and Medford, and reduce traffic congestion on Interstate 93 and Massachusetts Route 28. The project is being managed by the Massachusetts Department of Transportation in collaboration with the Federal Transit Administration and the City of Somerville.

Introduction

The Green Line Extension project is part of a larger effort to improve public transportation in the Boston area, which includes the Silver Line and the Orange Line. The project is expected to have a significant impact on the environment, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting sustainable development in the region. The extension will also improve access to Tufts University, Harvard University, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, making it easier for students and faculty to commute to and from these institutions. The project has received support from local leaders, including Marty Walsh, the former Mayor of Boston, and Joseph Curtatone, the former Mayor of Somerville.

History

The Green Line Extension project has its roots in the Big Dig, a major infrastructure project that rerouted Interstate 93 through a tunnel in Boston. The project was first proposed in the 1990s, but it was delayed due to funding issues and concerns about the impact on local communities. In 2005, the Massachusetts Department of Transportation and the Federal Transit Administration signed a Memorandum of Understanding to move the project forward. The project has since received funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and the Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery program. The project has also been supported by local organizations, including the Conservation Law Foundation and the Sierra Club.

Project Overview

The Green Line Extension project involves the construction of six new stations and the extension of the Green Line from Lechmere to Medford and Somerville. The project includes the construction of a new maintenance facility and the upgrade of existing signals and power systems. The project is being designed to meet the needs of the local community, with input from residents, businesses, and community organizations. The project is expected to create jobs and stimulate economic growth in the region, particularly in Somerville and Medford. The project has been recognized for its innovative approach to public transportation and its commitment to sustainability, receiving awards from the American Public Transportation Association and the United States Environmental Protection Agency.

Stations and Route

The Green Line Extension will include six new stations, each designed to meet the needs of the local community. The Union Square, Somerville station will be located near the Somerville City Hall and will provide access to the Somerville Community Path. The Washington Street station will be located near the Somerville Hospital and will provide access to the Mystic River. The Gilman Square station will be located near the Somerville Theatre and will provide access to the Davis Square neighborhood. The Magoun Square station will be located near the Magoun Square shopping district and will provide access to the Medford Square neighborhood. The Ball Square station will be located near the Ball Square shopping district and will provide access to the Tufts University campus. The College Avenue station will be located near the Tufts University campus and will provide access to the Medford neighborhood.

Construction and Timeline

The construction of the Green Line Extension began in 2012 and is expected to be completed in 2023. The project is being constructed in two phases, with the first phase involving the construction of the Union Square, Somerville and Washington Street stations. The second phase will involve the construction of the remaining four stations and the extension of the Green Line to Medford and Somerville. The project is being managed by the Massachusetts Department of Transportation and the Federal Transit Administration, with input from local communities and stakeholders. The project has been recognized for its innovative approach to construction management, receiving awards from the American Society of Civil Engineers and the Construction Management Association of America.

Impact and Benefits

The Green Line Extension is expected to have a significant impact on the environment, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting sustainable development in the region. The extension will also improve access to Tufts University, Harvard University, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, making it easier for students and faculty to commute to and from these institutions. The project is expected to create jobs and stimulate economic growth in the region, particularly in Somerville and Medford. The project has been recognized for its commitment to social equity and environmental justice, receiving awards from the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People and the Sierra Club. The project has also been supported by local leaders, including Elizabeth Warren, the Senior United States Senator from Massachusetts, and Katherine Clark, the United States Representative from Massachusetts's 5th congressional district.

Category:Railway lines in Massachusetts