MBTA officers introduced a brand new multi-million greenback federal grant to switch a bridge in North Station at an occasion to launch a brand new security initiative Monday morning.
“I’m very pleased to announce today that the USDOT awarded the MBTA a $472 million grant to replace our North Station Draw One bridge,” mentioned MBTA Basic Supervisor Phillip Eng. “It’s a movable bridge just outside this station, just to the north. It carries all of our train service to the north.”
The grant, which comes via the Nationwide Infrastructure Challenge Help program, is the most important federal award the MBTA has ever gained, in response to the division. It’s going to fund a bridge alternative that can permit “more train capacity, faster and more reliable rides, and increased safety on MBTA commuter rail and Amtrak trains,” the state mentioned.
The Draw One Bridge, often known as the Charles River Bridge, dates again to the Nineteen Thirties and permits trains to cross the Charles River, connecting Boston and Cambridge. It serves the Haverhill, Lowell, Newburyport/Rockport, and Fitchburg Commuter Rail traces, together with Amtrak traces.
Eng mentioned the mission will permit the T to “replace (the bridge), and at the same time, manage train traffic so people can still get to their destinations.”
Along with changing the bridge, the state mentioned, the funds will exchange the management tower, enhance stations, lengthen the bridge platform and extra. It’s going to additionally tackle local weather and financial objectives, officers famous, supporting 14,500 jobs, bringing the bridge above projected sea-level rise and reducing emissions.
“This funding will help build greater connectivity for rail operations, create a better travel experience for users, and provide key upgrades that will benefit residents and visitors alike,” mentioned Transportation Secretary Monica Tibbits-Nutt.
The MBTA and state officers additionally heralded a brand new “See Tracks, Think Train” security initiative week on the occasion Monday.
“MBTA Safety is pleased to continue to work with Operation Lifesaver and play an integral role in ‘See Tracks, Think Train’ campaign to help underscore, communicate and spread the word regarding the importance of train track and railroad crossing safety,” mentioned MBTA Chief Security Officer Tim Lesniak.
Lesniak and others famous ongoing efforts to maintain up with questions of safety like signage, vegetation development, fencing and lighting. Transit officers inspired pedestrians and drivers to be cognizant and cautious round crossings and for neighborhood companions to succeed in out to the MBTA about rail security schooling.
“Let us recommit ourselves by creating a safer MBTA system for everyone,” mentioned Eng. “By following safety guidelines and staying alert, we can prevent accidents, protect lives and get everyone safely to their destinations.”
