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Construction of New Bus Boarding Platforms on Columbus Ave Progressing

Updated on January 22, 2021

New bus platforms with tactile strips flank Walnut Ave, with heavy machinery in the background.
Newly completed inbound and outbound platforms at Walnut Avenue. The new platforms are raised almost twice as high as a typical curbside bus stop, creating an easier, faster, and more accessible boarding experience. New amenities that will be installed include a covered shelter, seating, improved lighting, digital screens with real-time arrival information, and emergency call boxes.

Construction is progressing on the new Columbus Avenue bus boarding platforms. The concrete platforms at four of the eight stops are complete. Once the shelter, benches, and other amenities are added, these stops will serve the future center-running bus lanes. Read more about the final design and see a rendering of the final stops in the December 11, 2020 update.

Crews are advancing work on the remaining platforms and pedestrian improvements along the project corridor.

Completed Work

Over the last two weeks, crews have:

  • Completed the construction of raised platforms at four stops:
    • Columbus Avenue @ Walnut Avenue (outbound)
    • Columbus Avenue @ Walnut Avenue (inbound)
    • Columbus Avenue @ Dixwell Street (outbound)
    • Columbus Avenue @ Dixwell Street (inbound)
  • Continued installation of new traffic signal equipment
  • Continued pedestrian improvement work, including installation of new sidewalks, curb "bump-outs" at crosswalks for shorter crossing distances, and curb ramps

Upcoming Work

Over the next two weeks, crews will continue construction of the remaining four platforms:

  • Columbus Avenue @ Bray Street (outbound)
  • Columbus Avenue @ Bray Street (inbound)
  • Columbus Avenue @ Dimock Street (outbound)
  • Columbus Avenue @ Dimock Street (inbound)

Crews will also continue constructing new sidewalks, curbs, pedestrian ramps, and installation of traffic signal improvements along the corridor.

The work will occur Mondays through Saturdays, from approximately 6 AM – 5 PM each day.

Service and Travel Impacts

For safety reasons, there may be occasional lane reductions, parking space removals, and minor detours for pedestrians around work zones.

Due to the work on Columbus Ave, stops may be temporarily relocated/closed through early 2021. Please follow the posted signs for temporary stop locations and nearest connection points.

View Route 22 service alerts

View Route 29 service alerts

View Route 44 service alerts

Entrances to abutting properties may be temporarily adjusted around the work zones. However, our goal is to maintain access for businesses and private properties at all times.

The schedule for this major infrastructure project is weather-dependent and subject to change without notice.

More Information

Send any questions or comments to betterbusproject@mbta.com.

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Building a Better T

As part of our $9.6 billion, 5-year capital investment plan, we're renovating stations, modernizing fare collection systems, upgrading services for our buses, subways, and ferries, and improving the accessibility of the entire system.

Learn more

Related Projects

View all projects