Patrick-Murray Administration Celebrates Science Park/West End Station Modernization

Boston – Saturday, November 5, 2011 – Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) Secretary Richard A. Davey today joined state and local officials to celebrate the ahead of schedule completion of the $22 million modernization of Science Park/West End Station, located on the MBTA's Green Line. Science Park/West End Station is now fully accessible and in compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Secretary Davey, as part of the project completion today, also announced the restoration of Green Line service between North and Lechmere Stations after a six month closure.
“With the support of the Patrick-Murray Administration we remain focused on making smart investments in our transportation infrastructure,” said Secretary Davey. “Ensuring our transportation network is accessible to all in a convenient, user-friendly way is our priority.”
“The Obama Administration's investment in the Science Park West End Station will provide people with disabilities better transit access and will improve services for all riders,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. "This project is a perfect example of how federal transportation investments can fund needed repairs while putting people to work and improving the quality of life in communities across America. It also demonstrates why Congress needs to pass the transportation provisions in the American Jobs Act as soon as possible, so we can continue making crucial investments like this one."
The Science Park/West End Station project includes 80% federal funding with a 20% MBTA Revenue Bond fund match. The project installed two new elevators to provide access from a new street level lobby to the train platforms at the top of the viaduct. The project also enhanced customer service and safety with a new lobby and mezzanine along with enhanced lighting and additional surveillance cameras.
The Science Park/West End Station project began in May 2010 with a 24-month completion schedule but reopened seven months ahead of that schedule. Closing the Station from April 30 to November 1 allowed for the accelerated work schedule.

The Science Park/West End Station project also includes replacement of the platform canopy roof, new elevated platforms, reconstruction of interior and exterior stairs, and upgrades to signage, electrical communications, fire protection and alarm systems.
“With the support of the Patrick-Murray Administration and under the leadership of MassDOT Secretary Davey we have yet again brought another station into compliance with the American Disabilities Act," said Acting MBTA General Manager Jon Davis. "Providing access to public transportation to all persons is our priority and we will continue to make smart investments that demonstrate improvements to public transportation.”
“Accessibility at Science Park Station will dramatically improve the quality of life for all persons including the elderly, persons with disabilities, and people with temporary mobility issues,” said City of Boston’s Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities Kristen McCosh. “I applaud the MBTA’s commitment to providing transportation access to all and congratulations to the West End community.”
"Making the Science park/West end station fully accessible is a great achievement, and doing it ahead of schedule is a huge benefit to T riders," said Representative Martha Walz. "I especially want to congratulate the construction workers who got this done so quickly."
"The Science Park/West End Station means far more than just handicap accessibility, said City Councilor Michael Ross. “It will help to bring economic strength and exposure to one of our City's most diverse and interesting neighborhoods."

“This is a great day for Boston, the Museum of Science’s more than one million visitors, and our neighbors in the West End," said Ioannis Miaoulis, President & Director, Museum of Science. "Our thanks to the MBTA, Senator Anthony Petrucelli, Representative Marty Walz, and Boston City Councilor Mike Ross for their support of this vital modernization project. This critical renovation makes Science Park more welcoming, safe, and accessible to all. We encourage visitors and staff alike to use public transportation whenever they visit the Museum.”
“Never give up is the basic lesson myself and fellow West End Civic Association members Paul Schratter, and Louise Thomas learned as we advocated for elevators at Science Park Station”, said West End Civic Association President Marie Cantlon.

Science Park/West End Station originally opened in 1954 and serves approximately 2,100 customers daily.
For transportation news and updates visit MassDOT at our website: www.mass.gov/massdot, blog: www.mass.gov/blog/transportation, or follow MassDOT on twitter at www.twitter.com/massdot.