Union Square station
Note how the temporary entrance is right at the base of the tower crane.
MBTAtrain stationsUS2Union SquareSomervilleGreen LineGreen Line ExtensionUnion Square branch2022 construction
Union Square station
This is where the permanent entrance is supposed to come out onto Prospect St., in the middle of the overpass and far from anything passengers might want to access. There's supposed to be another street-level entrance that doesn't exist yet but I'm not sure where it will be.
MBTAtrain stationsGreen LineGreen Line ExtensionUnion Square branch2022 construction
Union Square station
The Union Square branch was supposed to be constructed so as not to preclude a future extension to Porter Square, along the Fitchburg Line right of way, but this huge electrical substation, on the other side of Prospect St. from the station, isn't going anywhere for at least half a century. (Note the railroad right of way at left.) An inspection of aerial photos suggests that there simply isn't the right-of-way anywhere west of here without substantial takings to construct such an extension — whereas, if we were any good at building tunnels, an extension under Prospect St. to Inman Square would be far more plausible. (My own "Yellow Line" crayon would run a subway from Sullivan to Central via Inman, but would not be technologically compatible with the Green Line.)
Union Square station
Looking through the chain-link fence on the Prospect St. overpass down at the new station
MBTAtrain stationsGreen LineGreen Line ExtensionUnion Square branchFitchburg Line2022 constuction
Union Square station
Same location but now with skyline view
MBTAtrain stationsGreen LineGreen Line ExtensionUnion Square branchFitchburg Line2022 construction
Union Square station
Temporary ramp from the temporary entrance to the actual station entrance
MBTAtrain stationsGreen LineGreen Line ExtensionUnion Square branch2022 construction
Union Square station
I don't know if this is intended to be permanent or why there was felt to be a need for a security door here, considering that most other surface stations on the Green Line have no such barriers. Note the red-jacketed customer ambassador there to help explain how fare collection works here.
MBTAtrain stationsGreen LineGreen Line ExtensionUnion Square branch2022 construction
Union Square station
When the Green Line Extension was initially canceled in the face of billion-dollar cost overruns, one of the design elements that was removed from the plans was fare barriers. All GLX stations are center-platform, and thus the front doors of the trains, where the on-board fare collection takes place at other surface Green Line stations, cannot be used for fare collection. "AFC2.0", a wholesale replacement of the MBTA's fare collection system, is intended to bring proof-of-payment fare collection to the surface Green Line, but it is also several years behind schedule and was delayed further after the choice to eliminate fare barriers from GLX was made. As a temporary stopgap, these old-style Charlie Ticket machines were modified to issue a paper receipt which can be checked by a fare inspector, although the process is confusing and many riders, unfamiliar with PoP, fail to take their receipts with them.
MBTAtrain stationsGreen LineGreen Line ExtensionUnion Square branch2022 construction
Union Square station
Most GLX stations have substantial bike parking — bikes are not allowed on the Green Line vehicles.
MBTAtrain stationsGreen LineGreen Line ExtensionUnion Square branch2022 construction
Union Square station
As with mainline rail stations, new center-platform Green Line stations must have an "area of refuge" where passengers can safely go to await rescue in case a fire or other emergency blocks use of the normal exits.
MBTAtrain stationsGreen LineGreen Line ExtensionUnion Square branch2022 construction
Union Square station
Note the 10 mi/h speed limits exiting the station. All but a very short stretch of the Union Square branch is posted for 10 mi/h.
MBTAtrain stationsGreen LineGreen Line ExtensionUnion Square branch2022 construction
Union Square station
At the east end of the platform, a starter sits in a small office and monitors schedule adherence. A video monitor shows the operator of a departing train when passengers are clear of the doors.
MBTAtrain stationsGreen LineGreen Line ExtensionUnion Square branch2022 construction
Union Square station
Looking northwest from the platform at the US2 development under construction
MBTAtrain stationsUS2Union SquareSomervilleGreen LineGreen Line ExtensionUnion Square branch2022 construction
Lechmere station
Looking north from the station platform at the rapidly expanding development in this part of East Cambridge. In recent memory, this was all low-rise industrial uses associated with the Boston & Maine Railroad's main rail yard.
MBTAtrain stationsGreen LineLechmere ViaductEast Cambridge2022 construction
Lechmere station
Looking east along the northern (westbound) platform
MBTAtrain stationsGreen LineLechmere ViaductEast Cambridge2022 construction
Lechmere station
Elevator serving the west end of the platform, with stairs beyond it to the left; Glass Factory Condominiums at far left.
MBTAtrain stationsGreen LineLechmere ViaductEast Cambridge2022 construction
Lechmere station
Closer look at the elevator, stairs, and wayfinding; the relocated Lechmere bus station is at ground level on this side of the platform.
MBTAtrain stationsGreen LineLechmere ViaductEast Cambridge2022 construction
Lechmere station
Artwork on the elevator enclosure. MBTA elevators and shafts are now built with glass sides to discourage their use as toilets.
MBTAtrain stationsGreen LineLechmere ViaductEast Cambridge2022 construction
Lechmere station
Looking north again at the new development
MBTAtrain stationsGreen LineLechmere ViaductEast Cambridge2022 construction
Lechmere station
In the distance, the purple stripe marks the MBTA's Commuter Rail Maintenance Facility, still more commonly known by the name of the B&M's former facility on the same location, Boston Engine Terminal. At middle right, a new REI outdoors-equipment store recently opened.
MBTAtrain stationsGreen LineLechmere ViaductEast Cambridge2022 construction
Lechmere station
The new Lechmere bus loop is tucked in underneath the new viaduct between North First and Water Sts.
MBTAtrain stationsbus stationsGreen LineLechmere ViaductEast Cambridge2022 construction
Lechmere station
Unenclosed bike parking at the N. First St. entrance to the station
MBTAtrain stationsGreen LineLechmere ViaductEast Cambridge2022 construction
40 Thorndike St.
The former Middlesex Superior Court and county jail at 40 Thorndike St. in East Cambridge was sold by the state to a private developer in the mid-2010s; the developer is in the process of partially demolishing the building to convert it into residences. View from 1 N. First St.
Lechmere station
Looking east across N. First St. toward the East St. entrance to the station, off in the distance
MBTAtrain stationsGreen LineLechmere ViaductEast Cambridge2022 construction
Lechmere station
The landscaping had not been completed at the time the station opened in March.
MBTAtrain stations2022 constructionGreen LineLechmere ViaductEast Cambridge
Lechmere station
MBTA "Pedal & Park" bike-parking facility under the new viaduct
MBTAtrain stationsGreen LineLechmere ViaductEast Cambridge2022 construction
Lechmere station
A closer view of the 1 East St. entrance to the new station
MBTAtrain stations2022 constructionGreen LineLechmere ViaductEast Cambridge
Old Lechmere station
The original Lechmere station from 1910 was built as a transfer point where passengers on surface cars could transfer to the subway; the associated high-level viaduct reduced the number of drawbridge openings delaying passengers, so it was a good deal even though they gave up their one-seat ride. The opening on this station and direct service to downtown spelled the end of commuter rail service to Somerville and East Cambridge, as the elevated was much more convenient and cheaper. After the bustitution of most streetcars in Cambridge, the former streetcar loop remained in service as a trackless-trolley and diesel-bus loop until the GLX opened in 2022, when the bus loop was relocated north of O'Brien Hwy.
Lechmere station
The new Lechmere station as seen across the street from the old station
MBTAtrain stations2022 constructionGreen LineLechmere ViaductEast Cambridge
Lechmere station
Service change notice for the relocation of the 69, 80, 87, and 88 buses from the old Lechmere bus loop to the new station. Replacement bus service for the Green Line also served the old station. A private developer has an option to buy the real estate now that it is surplus to the MBTA's needs.
Old Lechmere busway
At left, behind the fence, is the remains of the former Green Line trolley loop.
Old Lechmere station
Old Lechmere had barrier fare collection; the original design of the surface car loop dropped passengers off in front of the inbound station to pay a subway fare, then looped around under the viaduct to pick up outbound surface passengers who had just gotten off the subway cars. The small Lechmere Yard was demolished as soon as the viaduct was closed and the steel and ties hauled off for scrap.
Lechmere station
Looking southeast up the ramp to the former connection to the viaduct, demolished in 2020. The steel portions of the viaduct was entirely demolished, leaving only the historic concrete structure to the east, which was extensively rehabilitated.
Old Lechmere station
Interior of the old bus station, including an air-conditioned starter's booth (green structure, at center)
Old Lechmere station
Former exit from the Green Line station to the bus station, gated off since the closure of the viaduct in 2020
Lechmere station
New viaduct with the station platform surmounted by a canopy, fronting Msgr. O'Brien Highway between N. First St. and East St. Seen from old Lechmere station.
MBTAtrain stationsGreen LineLechmere ViaductEast Cambridge2022 construction
Lechmere station
Eastern station entrance at 1 East St., with its own elevator and stairs
MBTAtrain stationsGreen LineLechmere ViaductEast Cambridge2022 construction
Lechmere viaduct
Looking east along O'Brien Highway and the new Green Line viaduct; all of this section of the viaduct is new construction.
MBTAGreen LineLechmere ViaductEast Cambridge2022 construction
Lechmere viaduct
A westbound train passes along the new viaduct. Micropile foundations were build under the old viaduct while it was still operational, allowing the new viaduct to be completed while minimizing the time bus replacement service would be required. Originally scheduled for 18 months, delays stretched the service interruption to two years.
MBTAGreen LineLechmere ViaductEast Cambridge2022 construction
Lechmere viaduct
At center, the new steel structure interfaces with the rehabilitated 1910 concrete viaduct over the Gilmore Bridge and the Charles River.
MBTAGreen LineLechmere ViaductEast Cambridge2022 construction1910 construction
Lechmere viaduct
Intersection of O'Brien Highway and Land Boulevard
MBTAGreen LineLechmere ViaductEast Cambridge2022 construction1910 construction
Lechmere viaduct
Interface of new and original viaduct segments, just west of Gilmore (Prison Point) Bridge
MBTAGreen LineLechmere ViaductEast Cambridge2022 construction1910 construction
Lechmere viaduct
O'Brien Hwy. at Museum Way, looking under the Lechmere viaduct towards the North Point development
MBTAGreen LineLechmere ViaductEast Cambridge2022 construction1910 construction
Lechmere viaduct
"Elevate" apartments loom over the viaduct west of the Gilmore Bridge.
MBTAGreen LineLechmere ViaductEast Cambridge2022 construction1910 construction
Lechmere viaduct
The red-painted bus lanes were returned to general traffic when the viaduct reopened as replacement bus shuttles were the only bus service operating on O'Brien Hwy.
MBTAGreen LineLechmere ViaductEast Cambridge2022 construction1910 construction
