Watch CBS News

MBTA Looking To Renovate Government Center

BOSTON (CBS) - The MBTA is looking at making improvements to the Government Center "T" stop while keeping disruptions to a minimum.

MBTA General Manager Richard Davey says they're exploring two options - one would be a 48-month renovation project at a cost of $72 million while the "T" stop remains open.

WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Mark Katic reports.

Podcast

Davey said commuters would have alternatives, however, if Government Center were closed for construction. He said the second option - closing the station - saves $16 million.

"The City of Boston said, 'Look, you bring this massive construction to our front door.' So, we looked at another alternative, which is to close the station, which would shrink construction from 48 months down to 33, and the station would be closed for 24 of those 33 months," said Davey.

State Street would be one alternative to the closed-down Government Center, while hours at the nearby Bowdoin Station would be expanded.

The public will have input in the process, according to the GM.

"That's why we want to engage folks. What's the better track? Do we wanna shrink the schedule, spend less money, but have that inconvenience? Or, is the convenience more important, but then here are the costs on the other end. It's a longer construction schedule, and it's more expensive," said Davey.

A decision will be made over the next 60 to 90 days.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.