Governor Deval Patrick today joined MassDOT Secretary Richard A. Davey, federal, state and local officials to celebrate the reconstruction of Ashmont Station on the MBTA's Red Line in Dorchester. The $84 million Ashmont Station reconstruction is the last of four Dorchester stations to be modernized as part of the Red Line Rehabilitation Project, an overall $158 million investment.
"Accessible, reliable public transportation is critical for our neighborhoods and our economy," said Governor Deval Patrick, "I am proud to celebrate the completion of Ashmont Station, which will provide commuters with a state-of-the-art transit facility at one of the city's busiest transportation hubs."
“As we invest in our transportation infrastructure, rehabilitating the Dorchester stations along the red line, including Ashmont Station, provides a stronger link between the area neighborhoods that will support small businesses and community development,” said Lieutenant Governor Timothy Murray.
Originally built in 1928, Ashmont Station was first modernized in 1976. The newly reconstructed Ashmont Station makes it a state-of-the-art, fully accessible transit facility with two entrances, a new lobby with Charlie Card access to the system, new platforms to accommodate six-car trains, new communications and security systems, and a reconfigured busway.
Additional improvements to Ashmont station include new lighting, new floors and glass curtain walls and canopies, along with site improvements to the path of travel, landscaping, and the construction of Peabody Square Park.
"Today marks the completion of a rehabilitation effort along Dorchester’s Red line corridor that exemplifies the commitment of the Governor, legislature, community leaders, and residents to supporting smart investments in public transportation,” said MassDOT Secretary Rich Davey. “Ashmont station is a major transit hub connecting customers to the Red and Mattapan High Speed lines, as well as many bus routes that stretch across the City of Boston.”
In 1999, the state legislature appropriated $67 million for the Dorchester Red Line Rehabilitation Project. The Savin Hill, Fields Corner, Shawmut, and Ashmont stations were redesigned with active support from Dorchester legislators and the community to address the needs of each neighborhood location. The project was awarded to Barletta Construction in September 2003. Savin Hill station reopened in 2005. Fields Corner and Shawmut stations opened in 2008 and 2009.
It never was completed detispe the fact that it was a terminal station. Since the Charlie Card system was introduced and many stations on the red line had a huge remake. Since 2004, Ashmont still remains incomplete, even more. I do see alot of workers though.
Posted by: Murtala | July 04, 2012 at 01:50 PM