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South Station Transportation Center Improvements

A rendering shows what the new Commuter Rail concourse will look like at South Station

Related Service Alerts

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  • Bike Issue Ongoing
    South Station Pedal & Park is closed due to construction. Bicycle racks are currently available on Atlantic Ave adjacent to the South Station main entrance.

South Station Transportation Center improvements will be completed as part of the South Station Air Rights Project, a collaboration between the Boston Planning & Development Agency (BPDA), the developer Hines, and the MBTA.

In 1977, the BPDA (then the Boston Redevelopment Authority) sold South Station to the T, but maintained ownership of the air rights. In 2016, the BPDA approved the air rights project. 

The nearly five-year project will include privately funded improvements to South Station’s rail and bus terminals in addition to a new, mixed-use tower with both office and residential space. Construction began in January 2020.

What to Expect During This Work

Construction began in 2020 on Atlantic Avenue and the area adjacent to track 13. Work on the tower began in 2021. The concourse area has been expanded around the Tower Work Zone, maintaining access to all tracks. Passengers will need to use the new bifold doors near tracks 1 and 2 to access the concourse. 

Current Impacts

The Tower Work Zone at the end of tracks 5, 6, 7 and 8 has been modified, resulting in an altered path of travel for pedestrians.

In the coming weeks, a work zone will be placed in front of Tracks 5 and 6 to allow for construction of the elevator shafts between the new concourse and bus terminal. This work zone will remain in place for the duration of the project. Tracks 5 and 6 will still be accessible.

Map showing work zones and pedestrian access routes for South Station

This graphic shows recommended pedestrian pathways. All riders should allow an extra five to 10 minutes to navigate the station during construction. 

Station Access During Construction

Construction zones may impact station entrance and exit locations, or affect which departure and arrival platforms trains use. Please verify your track number before heading to the platform.

All entrances to South Station will remain ADA-accessible.

Service Impacts

There are no expected impacts to MBTA service at this time. Please allow an extra five to 10 minutes to navigate the station.

See all MBTA service alerts

Project Stages

The air rights project will be completed in three stages. Construction schedules are subject to change due to weather and other factors.

  • Stage 1: 2020 2021. Work includes the establishment of construction zones near Atlantic Avenue, Summer Street, and Track 13. Some retail kiosks inside South Station will be moved to accommodate work.
  • Stage 2: 2021  2022. Work includes expanding the bus terminal and building a parking garage over the existing tracks/platforms. Construction will begin on the foundation and structure of the mixed-use tower.
  • Stage 3: 2023  2025. Work includes the completion of the South Station Transportation Center with new escalators, stairs, and elevators. The mixed use tower will be completed in 2025.

View the up-to-date construction schedule

How This Work Will Improve South Station

A rendering shows what the expanded bus terminal will look like at South Station

When the South Station Transportation Center improvements are complete, you will be able to transfer more easily and comfortably between the bus and rail terminals at the station.

  • The outdoor Commuter Rail concourse area will expand by 67%, and the tracks and platforms will be completely covered.
  • Bus terminal capacity will increase by more than 50% and provide more convenient connections to the Commuter Rail.
  • New escalators, stairs, and elevators will be available between the bus terminal and main concourse.
  • A new indoor bike storage area will be installed.

Learn more about these benefits

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