Construction begins on Talbot Avenue Commuter Rail Station

Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick joined Congressman Michael Capuano, Boston Mayor Thomas Menino and state and local officials to commence groundbreaking for the $15.9 million Talbot Commuter Rail Station, as part of the Fairmount Commuter Rail Line Rehabilitation Project. The project will create an estimated 120 construction jobs, with project completion scheduled for 2013. "The Fairmount Line investments are creating jobs and improving transportation options for residents across the community," said Governor Patrick. "This is a smart investment that will pay off for decades to come." The Talbot Avenue Station is the third of four commuter rail stations under construction as part of the Fairmount Commuter Rail Line Rehabilitation Project. The Talbot Avenue Station will include new high level platforms, canopies, passenger shelters, benches and windscreens and electronic message signs. Sidewalks adjacent to the station will also be reconstructed with new wheelchair ramps at major intersections. "It's great to see public transportation investment in the heart of our City. Improving the Fairmount Line has long been a top public transportation priority for my Administration and I want to thank Governor Patrick and his team for their commitment to this issue," said Mayor Menino. "This new station, along with the recent renovations at Uphams Corner and Morton Street and the work underway at the Four Corners/Geneva station, will greatly improve transit access for the underserved communities of Dorchester and Mattapan." The Talbot Avenue and Woodrow Avenue railroad bridges will also be replaced later this year in conjunction with the Talbot Avenue Station project. The bridges will be replaced using the fast-track method. The 9.2 mile Fairmount Commuter Rail Line runs from South Station through Dorchester and Hyde Park, terminating at the Readville Station. It is the only MBTA Commuter Rail Line that exclusively serves the City of Boston. "The strides we are making with the Fairmount Line projects is testament to the Patrick-Murray Administration's commitment to making quality improvements to public transportation that make a real difference for residents," said MassDOT Transportation Secretary and CEO Jeffrey Mullan. Amenities at the new station will include closed circuit television (CCTV) video surveillance cameras, police emergency call box systems, public telephones and an off street drop-off/pick-up area.