Natick Center Station Accessibility Improvements
The MBTA’s Natick Center Commuter Rail Station ranks in the top 25% of busiest Commuter Rail stations. We’re renovating the station to improve rider experience and bring it into compliance with updated accessibility standards.
- Contract awarded: November 2019
- Projected Completion: 2022
- Budget: $36.2 million
- Status: Construction
Rider Benefits
- Improved multi-modal connections
- More accessible commute options on the Framingham/Worcester Line
- Updated amenities for improved rider safety and convenience
Before and After
Pedestrian bridge viewed from North Ave
Pedestrian bridge viewed from the south
Building a Better T
As part of our $8 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.
What to Expect During Construction
Construction for upgrades to the Natick Center Commuter Rail Station began in February 2020. Work is expected to continue through 2022. The station will remain open during construction.
Construction primarily takes place on weekdays during daytime hours. Limited nighttime work will take place as required.
Current work includes:
- Building temporary platforms on the inbound and outbound sides of the station to allow for the demolition of the old station platforms/canopies
- Grading access ramps, relocating utilities and upgrading the track beds with heavy coarse stone (ballast)
Trucks carrying the ballast will enter the site during the day via Mechanic Street and along the Cochituate Rail Trail. This ballast will be used to raise the inbound track in early August, with this track work taking place continuously over a full weekend, including overnight.
When work is completed, the station will include 2 new elevators, 2 accessible ramps, 6 stairways, new platform, pedestrian bridge, drainage improvements and bicycle parking.
Construction Schedule (2020 – 2022)
Please note that dates are approximate.
Project Progress
A partition on the inbound platform prevents pedestrians from entering the construction area. (May 2020)
In-progress demolition of the wood canopy along the inbound platform of Natick Center Station. (May 2020)
Completed demolition of the wood canopy on the inbound platform of Natick Center Station. (May 2020)
Completed demolition of the concrete slab over the brook along the outbound platform of Natick Center Station. (May 2020)
Rail bed installation on the western side of the inbound platform. (January 2021)
Another view of the rail bed installation on the western side of the inbound platform. (January 2021)
Test piles done on the outbound track west of Washington Street Bridge. (January 2021)
Project Renderings
Rendering of the station elements, viewed from the platform
Rendering of the station entrance from Washington Street
Rendering of the pedestrian bridge at night
Rendering of the inbound platform
Rendering of the outbound platform
Rendering of the station from a bird's eye view
Rendering of Natick Station improvements
Rendering of the inbound platform at Natick Center
Natick Center map, satellite view
Past Events
Contact Information
For all queries and comments related to Natick Center Station Accessibility Improvements, please contact Natick Center project staff at natickcenter@mbta.com.
For More Information
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