The recent Massachusetts Department of Transportation Washington Street station workshop drew residents and planners together to address concerns and answer questions about the latest developments in the Green Line extension project. - Photo by Harry Kane

By Harry Kane

The Green Line Extension Project has been in the planning stages since1962, beginning with the North Terminal Area Study. Fast forward to 2011 and the Washington St. Station is in the preliminary engineering and design stages. The Massachusetts Department of Transportation has been reaching out to Somerville residents by holding station workshops for community members to voice their opinions and concerns. According to Mary R. Ainsley, the Director of Design & Construction at Mass DOT, “The workshops are going great. Everybody is engaging and sharing their input. So far the neighborhood has been embracing the process and it’s been positive.” More station workshops are scheduled for September and October.

The Washington St. Station will be located at the bridge near McGrath highway and the two entrances will be on Washington St. at Tufts St. and Joy St.  Some concerns were brought up during the meeting including the coordination with the McGrath Highway plans. Karen E. Arpino-Shaffer, the Project Manager for Gilbane Building Company, says, “At some point the five bridges will start to undergo a widening to make room for a four-track configuration.” This initial construction will transpire during the final stages of the design. The goal for this year is to complete a 30% design builder package by Autumn of 2011.

The MBTA policy is “all for one and one for all.” If escalators and stairs are present then there will be an elevator. This will allow for those in wheelchairs, pushing strollers or the elderly to make their way to the train. The Green Line Extension Project hopes to improve air quality, improve corridor mobility and regional access, and boost transit ridership.