MBTA to extend silver line by 2015
Written by Jenifer Nunez, assistant editor
The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority plans to extend the Silver Line to South Station and the Seaport District with East Boston. "Growth requires investment and connecting the people of Chelsea directly to the airport, Seaport District and South Station and will bring new opportunities for the residents of these communities," said Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick. "If we want to expand opportunity in our commonwealth, this is what government must do and do well." The Silver Line Gateway Expansion will create a new branch of the MBTA Silver Line service that will connect South Station and the Seaport District with East Boston and Chelsea. This service is projected to carry 9,000 riders per day with an estimated travel time of 15 to 19 minutes from the Seaport to Chelsea, connecting thousands of residents north of downtown Boston with work and play opportunities in the rapidly growing Seaport District. The Silver Line Gateway Expansion will also include the modernization of the Chelsea passenger rail station, which will be relocated to Everett Avenue as part of a new multimodal Silver Line/passenger rail station that will be fully accessible. In addition, Massachusetts Department of Transportation will begin reconstruction on the Washington Avenue Bridge. The project is will cost an estimated $82.5 million, with the bulk of funding, $20 million, being dedicated to the new Chelsea passenger rail station. Service is expected to begin in late 2015.
