The MBTA gave an update on the Newtonville Commuter Rail Accessibility Project on December 11 at City Hall. The new station’s $50 million funding is fully committed, including $7 million from the Federal Government thanks to Congressman Auchincloss. The project is anticipated to be completed by early 2029.
The project will be built using a Construction Manager at Risk, which means instead of completing a design and sending it out to bid, the Construction Manager at Risk will work with the design team to match the allotted budget. This allows the project to move more quickly. The MBTA said initial site preparation work will begin in late 2026 while the design work is being completed.
A design for the public to view should be available in the Spring of 2026, after the Construction Manager at Risk and MBTA have reconciled cost estimates.
The new Newtonville Station will have two elevators, one on either side of the traffic bridge over the Mass Pike. There will be a plaza with benches on Walnut Street. The current stairway at Harvard Street will remain as an emergency exit. There is no plan to change the current parking on Washington Street.
Councilor Albright and former Councilor Norton stressed the importance of a sound barrier that was promised to the neighborhood as the MassPike was being built in the 1960s. The Trio Development mitigation funds were not used for a sound wall because of the upcoming Newtonville Station construction. MBTA representatives said they did not know if the sound barrier was a MassDOT or MBTA promise and would look into it.
Councilor Albright also stressed the importance of improved MBTA Commuter Rail service along with the new station. The MBTA representatives made no commitments, other than that service would not be reduced. They said service levels are part of the ongoing regional rail initiative and that there would be more information on it and battery electric trains from the MBTA in the future.
Several people asked about upgrades to the Auburndale and West Newton stations. The MBTA made no commitments.
The MBTA said the station design goals are to support the regional rail plan, maintain existing bus connections, meet State and Federal ADA standards, and be completed on time and on budget.
Incoming Mayor Marc Laredo stressed the importance of promptly moving forward and not slowing down in pursuit of perfection. No project, he said, can be perfect. He and outgoing Mayor Ruthanne Fuller thanked former Representative Kay Khan for her tireless 30-year work on the project.
A video of the meeting will be available on NewTV next week.
