MBTA Stations Temporarily Closed to make Way for New Elevators

-By Dan Murphy

With work now underway to install two new elevators at the Science Park/West End Station, the MBTA is shuttering the Science Park/West End and Lechmere stations until November.

The new elevators are part of $10.4 million in accessibility improvements to the station that will bring the 57-year-old facility into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The scope of work also includes new at-grade Automated Fare Collection lobbies; replacement of platform slabs and platform widening by demolishing and constructing new parapet walls on the Lechmere Viaduct; replacement of platform canopy roof; new mini-high platforms; reconstruction of interior and exterior stairs; upgrades to signage, electrical communications, fire protection and alarm systems; and a generator for emergency power to the station, MBTA spokesperson Lydia Rivera wrote in an e-mail to the Times.

For the next six months, shuttle buses will replace Green Line train service between North Station and Science Park/West End and Lechmere stations. Shuttle buses will not at the inbound stop at Monsignor O’Brien Highway at the Museum of Science during morning peak hours or the outbound stop at Monsignor O’Brien Highway and Museum Way during evening peak hours, however.

Benefits of closing the stations include enhanced safety, cost savings, reduced noise and a completion date for the project that is six months earlier than was originally anticipated, MBTA officials said.

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