Green Line extension construction picking up

The pace of construction on the Green Line extension through Somerville into Medford is expected to pick up ahead of a 2021 deadline for the 4.7-mile spoke of the T system.

Construction is already rumbling along at a decent clip, per the Globe’s Adam Vaccaro, thanks in part to the project following an already existing pair of railroad rights-of-way. In particular, an enormous amount of earth has been cleared for the Green Line’s path.

In the coming couple of years, though, there will be more substantial work. That includes construction of a 150-foot bridge along Broadway. The work is also going to impact other bridges (and has already). Plus, Lechmere Station is to be shut down about a year from now so it can be rebuilt on the other side of McGrath Highway.

Such work, of course, will disrupt and lengthen commutes that much more. But the extension has been a long time coming and is expected to ease commutes in Somerville-Medford in the long run. Stay tuned.