Curbed Boston - Green Line extensionLove where you live2019-04-22T06:36:01-04:00http://boston.curbed.com/rss/stream/122402452019-04-22T06:36:01-04:002019-04-22T06:36:01-04:00Green Line extension construction picking up
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/lptRhNIQGaqFkzDxBbVBJ5vHVco=/288x0:4896x3456/1310x983/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/63651446/GettyImages_1071175058.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Construction in Union Square in November 2018. | Boston Globe via Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Extension through Somerville into Medford means traffic disruptions and closure of Lechmere Station </p> <p id="Vn0MZe">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.</p>
<p id="RZPWuO">Construction is already rumbling along at a decent clip, <a href="https://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2019/04/21/slowly-but-surely-green-line-extension-coming-along/pVGdQ6TsSMmdU8p91zvBmL/story.html">per the <em>Globe</em>’s Adam Vaccaro</a>, 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. </p>
<aside id="JOoeTX"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Boston’s subway lines, ranked","url":"https://boston.curbed.com/2018/6/13/17453840/boston-subway-lines-best-worst-ranked"},{"title":"10 Boston transportation milestones that need to hurry up and arrive ","url":"https://boston.curbed.com/2017/6/7/15747306/boston-transportation-projects-planned-real-estate"}]}'></div></aside><p id="ou34rq">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 (<a href="https://boston.curbed.com/2019/2/22/18235283/green-line-detours-bridges">and has already</a>). 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.</p>
<p id="bkVUVU">Such work, of course, will disrupt and lengthen commutes that much more. But the extension <a href="https://boston.curbed.com/2018/6/25/17504438/green-line-extension-groundbreaking">has been a long time coming</a> and is expected to ease commutes in Somerville-Medford in the long run. Stay tuned.</p>
<aside id="bF6z8e"><div data-anthem-component="newsletter" data-anthem-component-data='{"slug":"boston-curbed"}'></div></aside><p id="feNQLt"></p>
https://boston.curbed.com/2019/4/22/18510635/green-line-extension-construction-paceTom Acitelli2019-02-22T16:23:38-05:002019-02-22T16:23:38-05:00Three Somerville bridges closing for Green Line extension work
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/QFl878PuP-8ar9B4tkjuQzGzU5s=/272x0:3284x2259/1310x983/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/63097655/GettyImages_928067104.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Boston Globe via Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Drivers, bikers, and pedestrians will face detours around three spans during much of 2019 and 2020</p> <p id="i9s2oP">The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority plans to close three bridges in Somerville for construction of tracks and rights of way for <a href="https://boston.curbed.com/2018/6/25/17504438/green-line-extension-groundbreaking">the Green Line extension through that city and into Medford</a>—a project that the agency says “is on schedule.”</p>
<p id="NSAhkZ">According to a release from the MBTA, the Broadway Bridge in Ball Square will close beginning March 22 and remain so through March 2020. It will be completely demolished and replaced as part of the work.</p>
<p id="x2UGqn">The Washington Street Bridge Underpass in East Somerville will be closed from April to the fall of 2019, and from the spring to the fall of 2020. Finally, the Medford Street Bridge in Gilman Square will be closed from July 2019 through spring 2020. </p>
<p id="xzbREY">“This is a major step forward to bring Green Line service to the communities of Cambridge, Somerville, and Medford,” MBTA General Manager Steve Poftak said in the release. “While we acknowledge this work will cause disruptions at times, we have an obligation to our customers, the communities we serve, and taxpayers to deliver this important investment, and to do so on time and on budget.”</p>
<p id="sJ9PiN">The closures will, of course, come with detours for drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists. The MBTA already has the detours for the Broadway Bridge work starting March 22. North/west traffic will be detoured via a left turn on Cedar Street, a right turn on Highland Avenue, a right turn on College Avenue, and the fifth exit from the traffic circle on to Broadway.</p>
<p id="4kHb2o">South/east traffic will be detoured via the third exit from the traffic circle at Powder House Square on to Warner Street, continuing straight on to Harvard Street, a right turn on to Main Street, continuing on to Medford Street, and a left on to Broadway. </p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/_RuGjhG06I4r4OHVe5TQvr7H1xQ=/800x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/14256258/image006.jpg">
<cite>Rendering via MBTA</cite>
</figure>
<p id="3e7H6v">More on the bridge closures <a href="https://www.mass.gov/info-details/bridge-closures-glx-project">through here</a>. </p>
<aside id="SCIOFF"><div data-anthem-component="newsletter" data-anthem-component-data='{"slug":"boston-curbed"}'></div></aside>
https://boston.curbed.com/2019/2/22/18235283/green-line-detours-bridgesTom Acitelli2018-06-25T21:07:24-04:002018-06-25T21:07:24-04:00It looks like the Green Line extension really is a go
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/5g6qc2IFaMJxqlSUV_4HWeS_FCE=/138x0:2342x1653/1310x983/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/60180593/shutterstock_313524467.0.jpg" />
<figcaption><a href="https://www.shutterstock.com/g/lewis%20liu" target="_blank">Lewis Liu</a>/Shutterstock</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>There have been false starts before, but 4.7-mile run seems much likelier now</p> <p id="dtdAcZ">Officials including U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao, Gov. Charlie Baker, Somerville Mayor Joe Curtatone, and U.S. Rep. Michael Capuano were on hand for the official groundbreaking on June 25 for the Green Line extension through Somerville into Medford.</p>
<p id="0kLibH">Work on the 4.7-mile route has been underway for a while, of course, but the June 25 event seemed to drive home the point that this particular groundbreaking was the real deal.</p>
<p id="gzkrL8">Capuano, for one, had been to at least three such groundbreakings before, including as Somerville mayor. “This one’s real,” <a href="https://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2018/06/25/green-line-extension-breaks-ground-for-real-this-time/nh5wzZhIgmJXQbmtft7ifP/story.html">he said at the latest</a>.</p>
<aside id="mWXOl9"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"8 Boston transportation projects that need to hurry up and arrive ","url":"https://boston.curbed.com/2017/6/7/15747306/boston-transportation-projects-planned-real-estate"}]}'></div></aside><p id="Nzdz2P">What’s changed? <a href="https://boston.curbed.com/2017/4/5/15180022/green-line-extension-2021-trump">The necessary funds are in place</a>—the route will cost around $2.3 billion total—and so is the general contractor for the construction work. Also, the aforementioned earlier work has rendered stopping now kind of moot.</p>
<p id="k1XHoK">Plus, a lot of development along and near the extension <a href="https://boston.curbed.com/2017/9/21/16340070/new-public-transportation-boston">is hinging on its completion</a>. </p>
<p id="avqMAt">The finished product will include seven fresh stations, including a relocated Lechmere one. Work is expected to wrap in late 2021. </p>
<aside id="nZAn7k"><div data-anthem-component="newsletter" data-anthem-component-data='{"slug":"boston-curbed"}'></div></aside><ul><li id="rU2M0D">
<a href="https://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2018/06/25/green-line-extension-breaks-ground-for-real-this-time/nh5wzZhIgmJXQbmtft7ifP/story.html">Green Line extension breaks ground—for real, this time</a> [Globe] </li></ul>
<p id="1lOYng"></p>
https://boston.curbed.com/2018/6/25/17504438/green-line-extension-groundbreakingTom Acitelli2017-11-17T07:08:27-05:002017-11-17T07:08:27-05:00Construction on Green Line extension could start before end of 2017
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/vjjWsxRX7AnYXXLPe6K1U5YCGnA=/57x0:968x683/1310x983/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/57644289/5878470283_8a7c54620b_b.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Peter Alfred Hess/<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/peterhess/">Flickr</a></figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Contract imminent </p> <p id="p7rpo2">The MBTA on November 17 <a href="http://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2017/11/17/green-line-extension-expects-green-light-from-mbta-friday/PjN5cg0CHi5dsYC4IFY3sL/story.html">is expected to pick</a> a company to oversee the design and construction of the 4.7-mile Green Line extension through Somerville into Medford.</p>
<p id="pKMFlt">With the contract awarded, construction could start before the end of 2017 (<a href="http://greenlineextension.eot.state.ma.us/construction.html">preliminary work is already underway</a>). </p>
<p id="InlmWs">The extension is easily the most significant infrastructure project in the Boston region since <a href="https://boston.curbed.com/2016/3/7/11171392/boston-physical-landscape-major-changes">the Big Dig</a>. It involves not only the 4.7 miles, but seven new stations. The areas around each <a href="https://boston.curbed.com/boston-development/2017/11/15/16648654/somerville-union-square-bow-market">have already begun to feel the effects of a Green Line stop</a> in terms of new development and rising rents and prices. </p>
<p id="JBTcQ9">The MBTA has capped the contract to be awarded November 17 at $1.3 billion. The cost of the extension is estimated at $2.3 billion. The feds are putting up $1 billion, with the rest coming from the state as well as local governments. </p>
<p id="SPmtpI">If all goes according to current plans—<a href="https://boston.curbed.com/2016/12/8/13881870/green-line-extension-delayed-2021">a big if</a>—service along the extension should start in 2021. </p>
<aside id="vjDaFq"><div data-anthem-component="newsletter" data-anthem-component-data='{"slug":"boston-curbed"}'></div></aside><ul>
<li id="Naq6Cg">
<a href="http://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2017/11/17/green-line-extension-expects-green-light-from-mbta-friday/PjN5cg0CHi5dsYC4IFY3sL/story.html">Green Line extension expects green light from MBTA Friday</a> [Globe]</li>
<li id="QV7qiS">
<a href="https://boston.curbed.com/boston-development/2017/11/15/16648654/somerville-union-square-bow-market">Somerville’s Union Square notches another change near future Green Line stop</a> [Curbed Boston]</li>
<li id="2sFB21">
<a href="https://boston.curbed.com/2016/3/7/11171392/boston-physical-landscape-major-changes">Boston's physical landscape: 4 huge decisions that shaped it</a> [Curbed Boston]</li>
</ul>
<p id="ZkxaQv"></p>
https://boston.curbed.com/2017/11/17/16669442/green-line-extension-constructionTom Acitelli2017-09-21T13:09:41-04:002017-09-21T13:09:41-04:005 Boston areas that will see big changes because of public transit
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/DRnnFGL0YiDRZNO8pnubB91OxVo=/305x0:4844x3404/1310x983/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/56791937/GettyImages_200424866_001.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Hisham Ibrahim/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Including in Somerville and Quincy</p> <p id="Mf1bex">No one should doubt <a href="https://boston.curbed.com/maps/boston-transit-oriented-developments">the transformative power of public transportation</a> on cities or parts of cities. </p>
<p id="mxCwvb">Here are five spots around the Boston region that will surely see some mammoth changes—if they’re not seeing them already—due to new or expanded transit.</p>
<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="dxrq3r">
<h3 id="KeJsKR">Union Square in Somerville</h3>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/lXV6m6lIOsvNtEQFj5_CkI9Z-Ho=/800x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/9296559/05.03.2017_Aerial_West.0.jpg">
</figure>
<p id="OSMyUH">Somerville’s Union Square is slated to get one of the new stops along the extended Green Line from a relocated Lechmere to Medford—one of the biggest public transit projects in the entire U.S. of A.</p>
<p id="CByLuK">The station is supposed to open in 2021—<a href="https://boston.curbed.com/2017/4/5/15180022/green-line-extension-2021-trump">though delays have plagued the $2.3 billion extension</a>—and, when it does, it will open among some historic development, at least for Somerville: Developer US2 <a href="https://boston.curbed.com/2017/6/14/15800210/union-square-development-green-line">plans to construct</a> 1.38 million square feet of office, lab, retail, hotel, and arts space in Union Square as well as approximately 950 residences.</p>
<p id="n1YFB2">The project’s footprint is highlighted above. </p>
<h3 id="JBJkqs">East Somerville</h3>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="People boarding a subway trolley." data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/AYyB4zr4oGM3JKrc6SIuqGQNs9A=/800x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/9296643/GettyImages_459883170.jpg">
<cite><a class="ql-link" href="https://go.redirectingat.com?id=66960X1516509&xs=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.gettyimages.com%2Fsearch%2Fphotographer%3Ffamily%3Deditorial%26photographer%3DBoston%2BGlobe&referrer=archive.curbed.com&sref=https%3A%2F%2Fboston.curbed.com%2F2017%2F9%2F21%2F16340070%2Fnew-public-transportation-boston" target="_blank" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener">Boston Globe</a>/Contributor</cite>
</figure>
<p id="wcI0WK">East Somerville is essentially getting two stops on <a href="https://boston.curbed.com/2017/4/5/15180022/green-line-extension-2021-trump">the 4.7-mile Green Line extension</a>, including a relocated Lechmere station nearby in Cambridge. (<em>Editor’s note: This sentence was reworked to make it clearer that the relocated Lechmere station will be in Cambridge, near East Somerville</em>.) </p>
<p id="4liob3">The Green Line presence will only raise the profile of the neighborhood in terms of desirability for prospective tenants and owners with jobs in downtown Boston. </p>
<h3 id="I9KfKf">Medford/Somerville borderlands</h3>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/7gXUf4tdm69FpIGP-GF43ddCXb8=/800x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/9296545/College_Avenue_station_site__July_2015.jpg">
<cite>Wikipedia</cite>
<figcaption>Site of the College Avenue stop in 2015.</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="Wekrw6">The border between Somerville and Medford will get two Green Line stations come early next decade, including one dubbed College Avenue next to Tufts University. </p>
<p id="ahxXpu">It will be the second proper T stop in Medford (after the Wellington Orange Line stop farther to the east), and one that could do for that area what the Red Line’s Davis Square stop <a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20131213075235/http://www.wickedlocal.com/somerville/news/x1716633094/Column-Davis-Square-design-in-Somerville-will-be-community-driven">did for its surroundings</a> following its opening in 1984 (e.g., drive up prices and spur development).</p>
<h3 id="9qNbav">Chelsea</h3>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/5BIPP4-evcO9MO0DFT_6J_pIX6o=/800x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/8637969/30635228175_e5164a9e8c_o.jpg">
<cite>Jason Lawrence/<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/27665395@N05/">Flickr</a></cite>
</figure>
<p id="keVjUd">Silver Line service from downtown Boston into Chelsea <a href="https://boston.curbed.com/2017/6/6/15745152/silver-line-chelsea-to-boston">is expected to start in April 2018</a>. The five-mile route will run from <a href="https://boston.curbed.com/2017/9/20/16334530/boston-south-station-guide">South Station</a> to a stop just west of Everett Avenue, and will facilitate connections to the Red and Blue lines.</p>
<p id="lmjEwU">An estimated 8,700 people will use the route daily, a figure sure to further boost <a href="https://boston.curbed.com/2017/3/15/14918406/boston-real-estate-chelsea-condos">Chelsea’s status as a Plan B</a> for buyers and renters priced out of Boston proper.</p>
<p id="E3Dk1B">The route will include an exclusive right-of-way for Silver Line buses once in Chelsea, where there will be four stops total.</p>
<p id="dlQi3M">And, as part of the extension, the state will relocate Chelsea’s commuter rail station westward and spruce it up quite a bit.</p>
<h3 id="m1njnf">Quincy Center </h3>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/F5L2LiXQ1c8JlJDxJ3hc4uPhFug=/800x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/9296689/Quincy_Center_MBTA_station__Quincy_MA.jpg">
<cite>John Phelan/<a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Faolin42">Wikipedia</a></cite>
</figure>
<p id="M434qH">The MBTA in July 2017 <a href="https://boston.curbed.com/2017/7/13/15958766/quincy-center-station-development">issued a request for interest</a> in redeveloping Quincy Center Station.</p>
<p id="aOqB3w">Specifically, the agency wants to know if anyone’s interested in developing the 6.31 acres of air rights above and around the hub, which includes Red Line and commuter-rail stops.</p>
<p id="VKFNKi">If there is interest, the MBTA will then issue a request for proposals. And that could lead to a major project at the site—which could, in turn, lead to even more development in <a href="https://boston.curbed.com/2017/1/9/14211992/quincy-center-hotel-1500-hancock-street">that already busy, busy area</a>. Stay tuned. </p>
<aside id="gW6NMt"><div data-anthem-component="newsletter" data-anthem-component-data='{"slug":"boston-curbed"}'></div></aside><ul>
<li id="xSw7OR">
<a href="https://boston.curbed.com/maps/boston-transit-oriented-developments">8 transit-oriented projects in Boston to watch closely</a> [Curbed Boston]</li>
<li id="aR9eN6">
<a href="https://boston.curbed.com/2017/6/14/15800210/union-square-development-green-line">Somerville’s Union Square to see 2.3 million square feet of development</a> [Curbed Boston]</li>
<li id="wUPWa3">
<a href="https://boston.curbed.com/2017/4/5/15180022/green-line-extension-2021-trump">Green Line extension wins key federal approval for scaled-back version</a> [Curbed Boston] </li>
<li id="lvhJCl">
<a href="https://boston.curbed.com/2017/6/6/15745152/silver-line-chelsea-to-boston">Silver Line from Chelsea into downtown Boston to start in April 2018</a> [Curbed Boston] </li>
<li id="pMVY8d">
<a href="https://boston.curbed.com/2017/3/15/14918406/boston-real-estate-chelsea-condos">Chelsea condo conversion turns church into 10 luxury lofts</a> [Curbed Boston]</li>
<li id="goRkFc">
<a href="https://boston.curbed.com/2017/7/13/15958766/quincy-center-station-development">Quincy Center Station the latest transit hub to host big-time development?</a> [Curbed Boston] </li>
<li id="JZhjw7">
<a href="https://boston.curbed.com/2017/1/9/14211992/quincy-center-hotel-1500-hancock-street">Quincy Center hotel would join booming area just off Red Line</a> [Curbed Boston]</li>
</ul>
https://boston.curbed.com/2017/9/21/16340070/new-public-transportation-bostonTom Acitelli2017-04-05T06:30:39-04:002017-04-05T06:30:39-04:00Key federal approval for scaled-back, delayed Green Line extension
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/g6LuvBsNXN-4Pe2V7Pw0qab4cZg=/57x0:968x683/1310x983/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/54071695/5878470283_8a7c54620b_b.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Peter Alfred Hess/<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/peterhess/">Flickr</a></figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Still not opening until 2021</p> <p id="KeqZwB">The Federal Transit Administration <a href="http://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2017/04/04/feds-green-line-extension-costs-securing-project-future/6Nsiskpk14qQO43vBl9H1I/story.html">has approved</a> the MBTA’s $2.3 billion cost estimate for the scaled-back and delayed version of the Green Line extension through Somerville into Medford. </p>
<p id="ChHjlN">The 4.7-mile project was supposed to start opening this year and finish opening in 2020. Also, its seven new stations, including a relocated Lechmere stop, were once supposed to be largely enclosed in somewhat elaborate buildings. </p>
<p id="U4j4Rx">There was also to be a 7,000-foot community path along the extension. </p>
<p id="wzpxr8">Ballooning costs and management problems, however, <a href="http://boston.curbed.com/2016/5/10/11645832/green-line-extension-delays">croaked those ambitions</a>; and instead the extension <a href="http://boston.curbed.com/2016/12/8/13881870/green-line-extension-delayed-2021">will not start opening until 2021</a> and many of the stations will be open-air, without accouterments such as elevators and fare gates. </p>
<p id="XzslCn">As for the community path, officials have shrunk that to 3,000 feet. </p>
<p id="RvScqZ">Still, <a href="http://boston.curbed.com/2016/12/6/13854660/boston-2017-real-estate">it could’ve been worse</a>. Had the feds not signed off on the new cost estimate, it’s likely the extension would have been put on hold indefinitely. </p>
<ul>
<li id="BrwxM4">
<a href="http://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2017/04/04/feds-green-line-extension-costs-securing-project-future/6Nsiskpk14qQO43vBl9H1I/story.html">Feds OK Green Line extension costs, securing project’s future</a> [Globe] </li>
<li id="oCXoS5">
<a href="http://boston.curbed.com/2016/12/6/13854660/boston-2017-real-estate">The pessimist’s guide to Greater Boston real estate in 2017</a> [Curbed Boston]</li>
</ul>
<p id="raWzhT"></p>
https://boston.curbed.com/2017/4/5/15180022/green-line-extension-2021-trumpTom Acitelli2017-01-25T10:33:44-05:002017-01-25T10:33:44-05:00Green Line extension apparently not doomed under Trump
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/r4WPGBjiDrT9KjFE1Nd9khRXU24=/222x0:3778x2667/1310x983/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/48740115/curbed_placeholder.54.0.jpg" />
</figure>
<p>Challenges remain</p> <p id="16xA0I">The 4.7-mile extension of the Green Line through Somerville into Medford is an infrastructure priority for the Trump administration. That is at least according to <a href="https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/3409546-Emergency-NatSec50Projects-121416-1-Reduced.html">a list of the 50 projects</a> the new administration <a href="http://www.curbed.com/2017/1/24/14377452/trumps-infrastructure-plan-priority-projects-report">wants to see get done nationally</a>. </p>
<p id="GpCfs9">It’s not clear if the list, <a href="http://www.mcclatchydc.com/news/politics-government/white-house/article128492164.html">which McClatchy’s D.C. bureau obtained</a>, is an actual blueprint for these projects or just a kind of wishlist. But it is the most concrete sign yet that the bright blue Boston region’s biggest infrastructure project <a href="http://www.curbed.com/2017/1/17/14257260/trump-trains-transportation-funding">is probably not doomed</a> under the new GOP sheriff in Washington.</p>
<p id="a9VXhI">To be clear, the extension faces other challenges, with or without the $996 million in federal funds (which represents about 43 percent of the project’s currently anticipated cost). These challenges include budget overruns and a dearth of contractors in place.</p>
<p id="HJTU91">Such hurdles caused state officials in late 2016 <a href="http://boston.curbed.com/2016/12/8/13881870/green-line-extension-delayed-2021">to push back the opening dates</a> of the new stations along the extension to 2021. They were supposed to start opening this year and finish opening in 2020.</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt=" " data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/rwSvc5J9Bf-3m0S3Y3058NpKiek=/800x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/7867921/green_line_map.jpg">
</figure>
<p id="PNhgcH">One final note re: the Trump administration list: It lists the cost of the Green Line extension at $3 billion. Previous estimates as recent as December pegged it at $2.3 billion. </p>
<ul>
<li id="O5eFHz">
<a href="http://www.mcclatchydc.com/news/politics-government/white-house/article128492164.html">Trump team compiles infrastructure priority list</a> [McClatchy]</li>
<li id="EjTXDh">
<a href="http://www.curbed.com/2017/1/17/14257260/trump-trains-transportation-funding">Will Trump make the trains run on time?</a> [Curbed]</li>
<li id="CLLfIk">
<a href="http://www.curbed.com/2017/1/24/14377452/trumps-infrastructure-plan-priority-projects-report">Trump’s infrastructure plan may focus on these priority projects</a> [Curbed]</li>
<li id="1k7WRy">
<a href="http://boston.curbed.com/2016/12/8/13881870/green-line-extension-delayed-2021">Green Line extension delayed until at least 2021</a> [Curbed Boston]</li>
</ul>
https://boston.curbed.com/2017/1/25/14381678/green-line-extension-trump-boston-real-estateTom Acitelli2016-12-08T08:08:08-05:002016-12-08T08:08:08-05:00The Green Line extension, always with the holdups
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/r4WPGBjiDrT9KjFE1Nd9khRXU24=/222x0:3778x2667/1310x983/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/48740115/curbed_placeholder.54.0.jpg" />
</figure>
<p>Officials still optimistic </p> <p id="rB683t">State officials have pushed back the opening date for the seven new stations along the Green Line extension through Somerville into Medford until 2021.</p>
<p id="xVTkj4">The stations had been slated to start opening next year and to finish opening in 2020. </p>
<p id="PbTO2y">The delay in turn delays the 4.7-mile extension itself, the region’s biggest planned infrastructure project and <a href="http://boston.curbed.com/2016/3/22/11282786/boston-transportation-projects">one of its most joyously anticipated</a>.</p>
<p id="pjVK2L">While state officials are still optimistic that the extension will happen, several more hurdles remain, including the need for additional federal funding—<a href="http://boston.curbed.com/2016/12/6/13854660/boston-2017-real-estate">which could become particularly problematic after Jan. 20</a>. </p>
<p id="Cl6pBO"></p>
<p id="n1B1PL">Officials expect to pick a new team of contractors for the project late next year, <a href="http://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2016/12/07/new-green-line-stations-opening-delayed/S9Gc1c6PtbiSz7Wj3FVKkM/story.html">per the <em>Globe</em>’s Nicole Dungca</a>. </p>
<p id="TczL7f">Meanwhile, they’ve changed the names of two of the seven stations: the Washington Street stop shall now be called East Somerville, and the Lowell Street one will now be called Magoun Square.</p>
<ul>
<li id="JanwAL">
<a href="http://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2016/12/07/new-green-line-stations-opening-delayed/S9Gc1c6PtbiSz7Wj3FVKkM/story.html">New Green Line stations are delayed until 2021</a> [Globe]</li>
<li id="XjZ0oT">
<a href="http://boston.curbed.com/2016/3/22/11282786/boston-transportation-projects">Five Boston Transportation Projects That Need to Hurry Up and Arrive</a> [Curbed Boston]</li>
<li id="6QmFkI">
<a href="http://boston.curbed.com/2016/12/6/13854660/boston-2017-real-estate">The pessimist’s guide to Greater Boston real estate in 2017</a> [Curbed Boston]</li>
</ul>
https://boston.curbed.com/2016/12/8/13881870/green-line-extension-delayed-2021Tom Acitelli