State Prefers Route 16 Stop with Federal Funds
The following is a press release from the Executive Office of Transportation:
Transportation Secretary James Aloisi, Jr. today recommended the Green Line be extended to Mystic Valley Parkway/Route 16, pending federal funding, via commuter rail rights-of-way as its preferred project terminus for main line service. This alternative- the outcome of an extensive public planning process- strongly meets Governor Deval Patrick’s vision for expanded transit options and the Executive Office of Transportation’s (EOT) goals for ridership, public input, environmental impacts and cost.
“While we expect that this alternative will qualify for federal funding, the decision to extend to Route 16 is contingent upon federal participation,” says Transportation Secretary Aloisi.
“Extending the Green Line terminus to Mystic Valley Parkway will bring rapid transit service to East Cambridge, Somerville and Medford neighborhoods that have waited a long time for rail transit,” said Aloisi. “The Green Line Extension will advance community plans for smart growth and urban redevelopment and provide environmental justice communities with faster rides to jobs and destinations. EOT is very pleased to advance this project and we will continue to work with local officials to make it very successful.”
The preferred alternative will provide service from a relocated Lechmere Station to a Mystic Valley Parkway/Route 16 station along the MBTA’s Lowell Line. The alternative will not include construction of a new parking facility
The project is expected to generate new transit ridership of 8,900 per day systemwide, projected to the year 2030. EOT anticipates starting construction of the preferred alternative by 2012 and completing construction prior to the required December 31, 2014 opening date.
Secretary Aloisi said the Green Line Extension project has always been a top priority of the Patrick-Murray Administration. He acknowledges the participation of the project stakeholders in developing these recommendations.
“I want to thank the Project Advisory Group, the community planners, elected officials, legislators, residents and business owners who have participated in this process.”
EOT anticipates that the Draft Environmental Impact Report/Environmental Assessment will advance quickly with the support of the Green Line Advisory Group and the cooperation of federal and state agency partners.
The Green Line Extension Project is an initiative of EOT and the MBTA to enhance transit services to improve mobility and regional access for residents in Cambridge, Somerville and Medford. Bringing MBTA light rail service to these densely populated cities will address long-standing transportation inequities and meet strong demand for improved transit. EOT and the MBTA are committed to the project, which will produce both economic and environmental benefits for the corridor. More information is available on the project website: www.greenlineextension.org.
Editor’s Note:Â See the story below to find out what happened at Tuesday’s Green Line extension meeting.