MBTA releases draft request for proposal regarding Green Line Extension Project

Written by Maggie Lancaster, assistant editor
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Ben Schumin

The Massachusetts Bay Transport Authority (MBTA) has release a draft Request for Proposal regarding its Green Line Extension (GLX). The draft includes an affordability limit of $1.319 billion, base scope of work and additive options.

 

“This draft Request for Proposal is a major step in the ongoing procurement process as we proceed towards building the Green Line Extension,” said Program Manager John Dalton. “This document reaffirms the primary objective of delivering the base scope of the program while also allowing for the inclusion of additive-scope options if the completive pricing received from the design-build teams will allow.”

MBTA’s GLX project team included six additive options to the proposal’s draft for competing design-build firms to consider. Organized by priority, the options include platform canopies, additional elevators (select stations), public art, an additional connection to the community path located on Chester Street in Somerville, an extensions of the community path between East Somerville and Lechmere stations and an enhanced vehicle maintenance facility in Somerville.

Dalton encourages contractors interested in the GLX project to consider additive options after focusing on the project’s core elements: seven stations and train service, stating that the additions are “welcome but not required to comply with the project’s successful completion.”

The MBTA, in collaboration with stakeholders, established the prioritized list to meet its objectives of enhancing rider experience, community access, and operational improvements.

Price proposals are due in September 2017 and must not exceed the established affordability limit of $1.319 billion, which is a part of the overall GLX program budget of $2.3 billion.

Also included within the draft are necessary weekend shutdowns of the Lowell and Fitchburg commuter rail lines for 25 weekends during each year of construction. The two lines share right-of-way areas with GLX locations. The shutdowns, during the 43 months of scheduled construction, will be coordinated with non-GLX work whenever possible. The draft proposal also states that the MBTA has the ability to consider more extended shutdown periods if the contractor can provide appropriate cost or schedule savings for the project.

The final Request For Proposal will be issued in May 2017 after feedback for the draft is received from the design-build firms.

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