The MBTA has extended its projected completion of construction work at the Natick Center Commuter Rail Station, which began in February 2020, to early 2024. It previously had planned to finish the work this year.
“This schedule extension is a result of scope revisions due to unforeseen conditions, supply chain delays on materials, and COVID-19 delays including intermittent staffing limitations,” according to an update on the Natick town website.
So much for taking advantage of the lack of commuters to get more work pushed through.
If you look closely, you can see real live commuters awaiting the train in Natick Center (pre-snow melt)
The design phase of the project ran from 2017-2019.
The MBTA expects construction work to start on the east end of the platform as soon as this coming Sunday night, and work could last throughout the summer. Noise from heavy machinery and generators, plus light towers can be expected during this process.
The payoff for this $36.2 million MBTA project will be a more accessible station, with high-level platforms, plus improved streetscapes and operational capabilities. It’s part of a 5-year, $8 billion overall MBTA improvement plan.
Commuter rail ridership plummeted as the pandemic emerged, but has begun to creep up in Natick and elsewhere. Overall, Natick Center station is one of the busiest commuter rail stations in the system.
If you have questions or concerns about construction, contact the project team at: natickcenter@mbta.com
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