The MBTA is finally beginning the design phase of a project to address the Highlands T station’s significant accessibility issues. The changes, which would include additional ramps and making the platform level with the tracks, will take place over the course of about a year. The station will remain open throughout, however there would be some service interruptions.
The NHNAC and MBTA will hold a design review – open to the public – on October 15, 6pm, at the Woman’s Club, 72 Columbus St. If you or someone you know is affected by the challenges of getting to and from the trains, as well as getting on and off the trains, please attend this meeting. (The Woman’s club is wheelchair accessible, of course!)
The meeting will cover the initial design plans and share how changes will affect operations. Questions and comments from the public will be solicited and can be sent to any of the Highlands Area Council members as well as to Groot Gregory ([email protected]).
This project is moving forward thanks to the doggedness of Newton Highlands Area Council member, Robert Solomon. This is a prime example of the potential of what an Area Council can accomplish in the community.
It is unbelievable that it’s 2015 and there are still inaccessible public transit stations.
This T Station in the Highlands serves a very physically diverse community! Robert Solomon should be applauded for his persistence that appears to have led to resounding success for a large number of commuters.
Thank you, Mr. Solomon.
After this upgrade, Waban, Eliot, and Chestnut Hill are the remaining inaccessible T stations, and the Auburndale, West Newton, and Newtonville Commuter Rail stations.
Robert has been a bulldog on this. He just never gives up or lets any obstacle stand in his way. Glad to have him with me on the Area Council.
I’m sorry I didn’t make it in time for the presentation, but I did get a copy of the handout to share. I’m not a big fan of the zig-zag pathway for the main entrance in Alt 1, chart 9 (like Newton Centre) I think there must be better variant to accommodate everyone with stairs, but there are likely other tradeoffs I’m missing. The long ramps sounds great, but must be the most costly?
Glad to see bicycle accommodations were included!
And yes, thank you, Robert!