Patrick-Murray Administration Announces New Four Corners/Geneva Commuter Rail Station

BOSTON - Friday, July 16, 2010 - As part of the Patrick-Murray Administration's commitment to strengthening public transit and rail service, Massachusetts Department of Transportation Secretary and CEO Jeffrey Mullan joined state and local officials to announce the groundbreaking for the $17.7 million Four Corners/Geneva Commuter Rail station project. As part of the Fairmount Commuter Rail Line Rehabilitation Project, the Four Corners/Geneva station is one of four new commuter rail stations to be built along the corridor.

"The Fairmount Corridor is a vital transit link between Boston and its surrounding neighborhoods that has long awaited improvement," said Governor Deval Patrick. "This investment will not only provide residents with new transit options, but will also bring opportunities for economic growth to nearby communities."

"The Patrick-Murray administration understands the importance of reliable public transportation options for communities across the Commonwealth," said Lieutenant Governor Timothy Murray. "This groundbreaking is a pivotal step forward as we redevelop the Fairmount Corridor and deliver more commuter rail options for Boston and its surrounding communities."

"This new station will provide both neighborhood residents and others with the opportunity to use commuter rail as a quick and efficient option for traveling into downtown Boston," said Mayor Thomas M. Menino. "People will now have another way of visiting the multitude of restaurants, retail establishments and other businesses located in both Four Corners and downtown. I am pleased to have had the opportunity to work with the MBTA on the development of this project and I am looking forward to joining the Dorchester community to mark its completion."

“Today’s groundbreaking is an important step toward providing equitable transit to the Four Corners/Geneva neighborhood,” said Congressman Mike Capuano. “I am pleased that the Massachusetts Department of Transportation is moving forward today on this project, and I look forward to similar progress along the rest of the Fairmount Line.”

Work on the Four Corners/Geneva station will include the construction of brand new high-level platforms with detectable warning strips, new canopies, access ramps, passenger shelters, electronic message signs and pedestrian-friendly walkways.

"Construction of a brand new commuter rail station in Dorchester represents an historic milestone in the Patrick-Murray Administration's commitment to increasing transit options for commuters most in need of public transit service," said MassDOT Transportation Secretary and CEO Jeffrey Mullan.

"With the Administration's support rehabilitation to the Fairmount corridor continues to move forward ultimately bringing the neighborhoods of Boston more convenient service and an improved quality of life," said MBTA General Manager Richard A. Davey.

Amenities at the new station will include closed circuit television (CCTV) video surveillance cameras, police emergency call box systems, public telephones and an off street drop-off/pick-up area at both the Washington Street and Geneva Avenue entrances. The project is expected to be completed in 2012.

Launched in 2005, the Fairmount Commuter Rail Rehabilitation Project continues to transform the nine-mile long corridor, which is the only commuter rail line located exclusively in the City of Boston and extending from South Station through Dorchester and Hyde Park.

With an investment of $37 million in state funds, Phase I of the project is complete including the rehabilitation of Upham's Corner and Morton stations; the reconstruction of three bridges; the implementation of new interlocking; and the de-leading and painting of neighborhood bridges. Phase II consists of the design and construction of four brand new stations at Talbot Avenue, Blue Hill Avenue, Newmarket, and Four Corners/Geneva, presently underway.

"A long time coming, this new T Station will provide much needed transportation access and an economic boon to the Greater Four Corners Neighborhood," said Senator Jack Hart. "I am proud to be a part of this effort with those who have fought for years to make this happen. Congratulations."

"Because of the greater Four Corners community working together, they've proven that almost anything can be accomplished,” said Representative Liz Malia. "This seemed like an impossible dream a few years ago, and now the residents of this community will have improved access to quality transportation and the potential for greater economic development.”

State Representative Dorcena Forry said, "Congratulations on the ground-breaking of another commuter rail station in one of Dorchester's neighborhoods! The expansion of service along the Fairmount Line means greater access to affordable and efficient, high-quality transportation. As such, I am pleased to see the opening of the new Four Corners/Geneva Avenue station, which stands as a testament to the Patrick Administrations' continued commitment to enhancing services and keeping our city connected."

"This new station will greatly improve access for those communities that have been left on the sideline, watching trains pass by for far too long," said Charles Yancey, who represents District Four in Dorchester and Mattapan.

"What a wonderful day for Dorchester," said Boston City Councilor Maureen Feeney. "Increased access means increased opportunity for all."

For transportation news and updates visit the MassDOT website at www.mass.gov/massdot, the MassDOT blog at www.mass.gov/blog/transportation or follow MassDOT on twitter at www.twitter.com/massdot.