At a large, enthusiastic gathering on November 25 in Newton’s War Memorial Auditorium, Governor Maura Healey announced that the Newtonville Commuter Rail station, on the Framingham / Worcester Commuter line, is now slated for an upgrade that will make it fully accessible and able to handle bidirectional rail traffic.
The project will be supported by $50 million of state, federal, and MBTA funding, including $7 million federal grant previously secured by Rep. Jake Auchincloss. According to Maya Bingaman of MBTA Media Relations, “The Commonwealth Transportation Fund will play a role in supporting the projector as a part of Governor Healey’s budget proposal to leverage Fair Share funding for infrastructure investments.” The project was not included in the MBTA’s five-year capital improvement plan as of last April.
Joining Governor Healey at Monday’s announcement were Mayor Ruthanne Fuller, Rep. Auchincloss, MBTA General Manager Philip Eng, State Senator Cynthia Creem, retiring State Representatives Ruth Balser and Kay Khan (whose district has all three of Newton’s commuter rail stations), and Charles River Regional Chamber president Greg Reibman.
Mayor Fuller welcomed the dignitaries and the audience, telling them, “there are days when dreams come true …when hard stuff gets done …and permanent, positive change happens.” She highlighted the Governor’s work and that of Mr. Eng, State Rep. Kay Khan, and Rep. Jake Auchincloss, calling them Team Massachusetts and donning a Team Massachusetts cap.
In her announcement, Governor Healey noted that the planned improvements to the station — making it fully accessible with two platforms — will make it universally usable and climate friendly and will increase ridership and benefit businesses. It will become “a station the community deserves,” she said. The Governor highlighted the long-time efforts of Rep. Kay Khan in promoting the needs of Newton’s three Commuter Rail stations and her hard work in securing funding. Since most of the current and planned large housing developments are near the Newtonville station, she noted that it augmented the MBTA Communities initiative promoting transit-oriented development, and she thanked local developers who are building near the Commuter Rail.
Rep. Auchincloss lives close to the station and was a regular commuter. He, too, commended Rep. Khan — and Mayor Fuller for making public transportation “her number one priority.” He said that the local, state, and federal partnership that has been so effective comes as a relief for him after “the reality show” that is Washington.
Phillip Eng, MBTA General Manager and CEO, who is credited with rescuing New York’s Long Island Railroad, explained that 1,000 riders use the station daily although none of the three stations are ADA accessible, and the platforms restrict commuter travel to one direction at all times, preventing people from “reverse commuting” from Boston to jobs in Newton and beyond. Renovating the station will allow for full rider usability and will make it safer as well.
Upgrades include two-to-four elevators and two fully accessible, 400-foot boarding platforms at train level, allowing for bidirectional passenger traffic and greater frequency. There will be bridges for wheeled mobility devices; modern and reliable track and signal changes; benches, canopies and tactile warning strips; better signage; bike racks; pick-up and drop-off areas; and CCTV cameras and other safety features. Mr. Eng estimated that the design and planning work would begin in 2025, with construction planned to start in 2026 and likely to take two years. In response to Fig City News, he said that train service would continue during construction.
In April, the MBTA released designs for more ambitious upgrades for the Newtonville, West Newton, and Auburndale stations, with an estimated cost of $250 million, but as Ms. Bingaman explained, “the MBTA was unsuccessful in obtaining ASAP grant funding, therefore we are moving to a phased approach with Newtonville being the first. …It serves the largest amount of riders and holds the most immediate potential for transit-oriented development.”
Rep. Khan, whose commitment and tenacity is credited with leading to the project’s realization, said it was “an incredible moment.” She told the audience that her first federal request was to Rep. Barney Frank eleven years earlier. “Newtonville will be a model of retrofitting for the entire system,” she predicted. And as a nurse she noted its health benefits because more people will ”get out of their cars,” thereby improving the environment.
Her longtime legislative colleague, State Senator Cynthia Creem, proclaimed Monday “Kay Khan Commuter Rail Day,” observing that the rehabilitation was a fitting cap to her 30-year legislative career — although she warned the two incoming state representatives that they would continue to hear from Rep. Khan. “The Newtonville Station upgrade is an example” of what state government does best in improving people’s lives,” the Senator said. She also commended the supportive advocacy work of the City Council, particularly the former President, Susan Albright.
Most of the speakers noted the presence and ongoing support of the Newton Commission on Disability and residents who could not use the current stations because of the long, rickety flights of stairs and platforms requiring steps up to trains. For Nathan Persampieri, who lives two blocks from the station, “This funding will be a game changer for me and many other people with limited mobility. On a personal note, as a recent graduate looking for a job, and living a couple blocks away from the Commuter Rail station, I will (eventually) heavily rely on it to take me downtown. It also has been out of compliance with the ADA for more than 34 years, and I’m very happy to see it’s getting fully funded.”
Newtonville native David Micley, who represents Ward 2 on Newton’s City Council, told Fig City News, “Upgrading the Newtonville Commuter Rail Station has been a long-standing priority, and it’s exciting to see decades of advocacy turn into funded plans. Thanks to residents, all the elected leaders at today’s announcement, and my Ward 2 predecessor, Councilor Emeritus Emily Norton for tirelessly championing this issue. Local voices drive change, and this success reflects the dedication of residents across our City and Commonwealth that made this a public priority.”
In her comment to Fig City News, Mayor Fuller said:
Making the Newtonville Commuter Rail Station accessible with two platforms is a permanent, positive game change for Newton’s northside. This is a huge leap forward not just for public transportation but also housing, economic opportunity, accessibility, and climate resiliency. Everyone will now be able to take the train – people with mobility challenges, parents with a stroller, and travelers with a suitcase. The double platforms will allow more frequent service, improving life and access to economic opportunities for people along the entire Worcester / Framingham / Boston corridor. Huge thanks go, in particular, to Gov. Healey (and Gov. Baker as well!), State Rep. Kay Khan, Congressman Jake Auchincloss, and MBTA General Manager Phillip Eng.
— Mayor Ruthanne Fuller
See NewTV’s video of the event.
