MBTA’s Wellesley Square Station Opening February 17th
Written by Jennifer McLawhorn, Managing Editor
Outbound side of Wellesley Square Station featuring a new freestanding mini-high platform.
Image and caption courtesy of MBTA
WELLESLEY, Mass. - The commuter rail station in Wellesley, Massachusetts will open on February 17th. This is Wellesley's first accessible commuter rail location.
According to the MBTA, the accessibility upgrades for the $3 million project come as the result of a $500,000 grant. Crews worked to design and install mini-high platforms on top of the already existing platforms. Additionally, crews made upgrades and improvements that include “various paths of travel and the installation of new signage.”
Now, the town of Wellesley is committed to bringing all three of its commuter rail stations up to ADA compliance. Work will be completed in the next few months at West Medford, Franklin, and Walpole stations. The MBTA has also secured full funding for the design and construction of upgrades at Concord, Wyoming Hill, Endicott, and Lincoln stations. It is also currently “in the process of rolling out an indoor wayfinding technology for blind/low vision users.”
Over the last ten years, the MBTA has constructed over 75 new elevators with plans to construct 55 more, made upgrades across the Green Line stations, implemented trainings for frontline employees, purchased new accessible subway cars, and added 1,000 buses with front door ramps.
“I’m proud of the teams at the MBTA for their innovative solution-oriented mindset that enabled us to deliver long needed accessibility to Wellesley that significantly improve access to public transportation for residents with disabilities. . . Thank you to Whip Clark for securing the necessary funding that made this possible for local families like the Fahey and O’Hanlon that have long advocated for these essential changes. Under the leadership of the Healey-Driscoll Administration, we are focused on delivering meaningful results for the public, making mass transportation available to all that rely on us. This is just the beginning as we deliver accessibility improvements across our network. The public deserves access to public transportation, and we’re excited to be expanding our reach in Wellesley, said MBTA General Manager and CEO Phillip Eng.
