$225M grant puts Green Line on track
Extension project gets underway with fed aid
The Green Line Extension (GLX) project aiming to launch nearly 5 miles of light-rail service between Cambridge and Medford in 2022 yesterday received a $225 million grant from the Federal Transit Administration to keep the endeavor rolling forward.
The grant is the second installment of a $996 million Full Funding Grant Agreement the FTA signed with the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority.
The announcement was made by U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao, FTA Acting Administrator K. Jane Williams, Gov. Charlie Baker, U.S. Rep. Michael E. Capuano and U.S. Rep. Katherine Clark.
“The Green Line Extension project will improve mobility, access to jobs, schools and the quality of life for tens of thousands of passengers in the Boston area,” Chao said.
Williams, noting 75,000 people live along the future GLX light-rail route, said the extension, “will spur development and bring added value to the corridor. The leadership at the state and MBTA should be commended for making the necessary decisions to ensure this project opens on time and within budget.”
The project includes seven new stations, replacement or rehabilitation of eight bridges and a new pedestrian/bike path.
The GLX is expected to generate approximately 45,000 new transit trips a day by 2030, improving access to jobs and opportunities in Boston, as well as Somerville, Medford and Tufts University.
The extension is also expected to slash daily vehicle travel by 25,728 miles, improving air quality and reducing automobile congestion.