MBTA’s Copley Station modernization complete

MBTA General Manager Rich Davey joined Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino to celebrate the $61-million modernization of Copley Station, located on the MBTA's Green Line. Copley Station is now fully accessible and in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Opened in October 1913,
Copley has undergone renovations over the years but the current modernization
represents a key investment to improve the station’s accessibility. In 2006,
the MBTA announced renovations to Arlington, Copley and Kenmore stations to
upgrade for accessibility and general station maintenance. Copley station is
the last station to be renovated with two brand new elevators, two new glass
entrances, a new escalator and restoration of the historic wrought iron inbound
headhouse located adjacent to the Boston Public Library.

Additional renovations
include raised platforms to accommodate low-floor Green Line vehicles, two new
emergency egresses and new Automated Fare Collection equipment installed in
each entrance. Surface area restoration includes upgrades to sidewalks,
landscaping, curbs, and historic granite elements in front of the Boston Public
Library.

In 1989, to comply with the
Americans with Disabilities Act, the MBTA initiated the Light Rail
Accessibility Project to make the transit system accessible to all persons with
disabilities. ADA requires that certain key stations be made accessible. The MBTA
Key Station Plan, which was approved by the Federal Transit Administration,
includes 80 key stations that must be in compliance with ADA guidelines. Today,
77 MBTA key stations are in compliance including Copley.