Newtonville Commuter Rail Station will be closed until further notice while repairs are being made to its stairs, the MBTA announced Tuesday evening.
After an inspection, the stairs were closed “out of an abundance of caution,” MBTA spokesman Joe Pesaturo told the Globe.
About time.
It’s a disgrace and an example of the the maintenance deferral issues that the T is suffering. However, fixing the stairs will not resolve the broader issue of Newtonville commuter rail. While the overall plan is being formulated, we need to continue to lobby for train level platforms and dual loading for increased service. Any solution that can not accomodate dual platforms will limit us for decades.
@Dave, spot on. It is a disgrace. National-class transit is the key to our economic future and quality of life. Frequent, electrified, inexpensive trains to and from Worcester would be a game-changer for all of us. Why doesn’t Charlie Baker understand that?
Call me a critic, but I fear that this is an easy way for the Commuter Rail to eliminate a stop. I think this temporary closing might test the waters for a more permanent closing (one less train station to maintain). What do others think?
@NewtonMom I don’t think that is the case. I heard from an MBTA engineer at ~5PM that they will be working “through the night” tonight and expect to open the Harvard St side tomorrow morning, and then start work on the Walnut Street side.
MBTA Commuter Rail’s official Twitter account: “Newtonville Station East side entrance (on Harvard Street) will reopen tomorrow October 24th at the start of service, while work continues on the West side entrance (on Walnut Street). Thank you for your patience while we made necessary repairs.”
https://twitter.com/MBTA_CR/status/1187098155571204098
The plywood sign with “closed” sprayed on it really gave some nice ambience to the bridge.
Let’s build more housing on Washington Street. It’s supposed to be transit oriented development isn’t it. ?
If we build enough, the MBTA will find a way to provide proper service don’t you think ?
This was a surprise for my commuter rail dependent family members. Luckily we found out about the closures before anyone was late for work!
Glad to hear progress is being made.