Contractors wanted: MBTA Green Line extension moves forward

Written by Kyra Senese, Managing Editor
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MBTA

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) is now taking letters of interest from contracting firms for its Green Line Extension (GLX) project.

 

MBTA says it will host a forum Nov. 16 to discuss the scope of the GLX project, inviting firms that can lead design-build teams to carry out the work.

Upcoming work on the extension entails the design and construction of the extension’s two branches to the Green Line. MBTA plans outline a “mainline” branch that would operate within the existing right-of-way of the Lowell Line and a branch line running within Somerville’s existing Fitchburg Line to Union Square right-of-way.

The project would also bring seven new stations with electrical and signal systems to the line, including the relocated Lechmere Station. MBTA says it is also considering the addition of a vehicle storage and maintenance facility.

MBTA says the GLX project has met several of its goals so far.

On Aug. 8, the MBTA’s Fiscal and Management Control Board gave the transportation authority the ‘OK’ to move forward with the next phase of the GLX project—developing procurement documents to select a new construction team.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Massachusetts Department of Transportation and the City of Cambridge was established for the city to commit $25 million in funding toward elements of the GLX project within the city.

Both the FMCB and the MassDOT board voted Oct. 6 to accept the MOU with the city of Cambridge, securing the $25 million contribution’s transfer from the city to the Commonwealth throughout several years.

MassDOT is working with the city of Somerville to progress a similar MOU to secure Somerville’s pledged $50 million in funding, MBTA says. 

The transportation authority has also completed a review of the GLX project to identify possible cost reductions and methods of streamlining the planning and construction processes, officials say. MBTA has completed the continued close-out of existing construction contracts as the GLX project proceeds, as well.

Representatives say the project’s completion remains contingent on the release of $1 billion in pledged federal government funding. The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) expressed support for the work performed thus far by the Interim Project Management Team earlier in 2016. 

FTA Regional Administrator Mary Beth Mello wrote in a letter to MassDOT Secretary Stephanie Pollack that the “IPMT has made every effort to redesign the project in ways that preserve its most essential transportation benefits, consistent with your fiscal constraints.”

The FTA also says the MBTA’s cost estimates are “complete, well documented,” describing the project scope as “consistent with the scope of work set forth in the Full Funding Grant Agreement,” and saying the project schedule is “mechanically sound.”

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