The Green Line Extension (GLX) project calls for six new Green Line stations along two branches, along with the relocation and reconstruction of Lechmere Station. (MassDOT photo)

The Green Line extension is among the most significant expansions undertaken by the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) in decades.

Work is on schedule to open for revenue service by December 2021 and at this point on the more than $2 billion project, approximately 20 percent of it is completed.

Designed to provide fast and efficient service to downtown Boston, a $2.3 billion project that will allow trains to operate every five to six minutes in peak periods continues making progress. The Green Line Extension (GLX) project calls for six new Green Line stations along two branches, along with the relocation and reconstruction of Lechmere Station.

The project will extend the Green Line more than 4 mi. along two branches from a relocated Lechmere Station in East Cambridge. Approximately 1 mi. of the extension will run parallel to the Fitchburg Commuter Rail Line to Union Square in Somerville, with the remainder running parallel to the Lowell Commuter Rail Line to College Avenue in Medford.

The major undertaking is expected to dramatically reduce vehicle trips and related air emissions, while increasing access to public transit service in underserved areas. Several early construction contracts have already been completed, with the balance of the project being delivered under a design-build contract. Work is on schedule to open for revenue service by December 2021.

In spring of 2020, the final approach of the existing viaduct into the current Lechmere Station will come down as part of the relocation of that station. During this phase of the project, Green Line service will terminate prior to Lechmere Station, and the MBTA will provide bus shuttle service to and from Lechmere.

During construction, approximately 400,000 cu. yds. of material will be resituated with cut and fill elements. Concrete and steel are the predominant materials required on the job. The main piece of equipment used on the project is the Herzog multi-purpose machine (MPM). CEG

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