New regional rail station coming to Allston, Mass.

Written by Mischa Wanek-Libman, editor

Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick today joined Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) Secretary Richard Davey, Boston Mayor Martin Walsh and state and local officials to announce that the I-90/Massachusetts Turnpike Allston Interchange Improvements project will include a new commuter rail stop, with pedestrian and bike access, that will allow for increased development and growth opportunities in the area.

 

“We invest in infrastructure to revitalize urban neighborhoods and bolster growth and opportunity across the Commonwealth,” said Gov Patrick. “With this project we are paving the way for future opportunities that will advance economic development in Allston and help build a brighter future for Massachusetts.”

MassDOT has reached an arrangement with Harvard University that will allow for the straightening of I-90 and construction of a new commuter rail station, currently known as West Station, on the Worcester Line. Harvard is the current owner of Beacon Park Yard, where the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) plans to develop to use part of the yard for a new MBTA commuter rail layover and maintenance facility, a key requirement for future expanded commuter rail service into and out of South Station.

“Harvard is pleased to be part of a partnership that includes the commonwealth, city of Boston, CSXT and the general public, in helping accommodate this visionary project that will serve the region for decades to come,” said Katie Lapp, Executive Vice President of Harvard University.

Beacon Park Yard is a 22-acre site bordered by the existing Mass Pike, the Worcester commuter rail Line and the I-90 Allston Toll Plaza. This site was formerly a CSX freight and intermodal rail terminal, which is now owned by Harvard University. The ability to undertake this project was made possible in large part by CSX’s decision to relocate much of its freight traffic out of the InnerCore to the Worcester area, allowing this site to be available for development. Governor Patrick announced that design and permitting would begin immediately to rebuild and straighten I-90 in October 2013.

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