MBTA Re-Opens Wedgemere Commuter Rail Station as Fully Accessible

In our latest , a reader asked for an update regarding the Wedgemere Commuter Rail Station project. So, we found out.

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority held a re-opening ceremony at Wedgemere station Thursday morning, according to a MBTA press statement.

Local, state and MBTA officials participate in the ceremony at the station, which is now fully accessible. Improvements made to the station are better accessibility to all riders thanks to the installation of new ramps, platforms and parking lot upgrades, according to the statement.

"In reopening Wedgemere Station, the MBTA is showing how we move forward in helping to provide better service for our customers. This project highlights the MBTA’s commitment to expanding access to our system for people throughout the Commonwealth," said MBTA General Manager Beverly Scott in the statement. "Projects like these speak to the overarching MassDOT priorities of customer service and safety, as well as our goal of having accessibility system-wide." 

Jean Batty, a Winchester resident who worked closely with the MBTA, Federal Transit Administration and local officials to secure funding so that her entire family, including her son Theo, who happens to use a wheelchair, could have access to the MBTA system, according to the statement.

"For a kid who just wants to be able to take the train to Fenway like everyone else, this is a dream realized. And for all of those who want the access to services they deserve under the law, this is another recognition that when we maximize participation, we move forward as a country," said Congressman Ed Markey (D-MA) in the statement. "Massachusetts has always been a hub of activism for increasing accessibility for Americans with disabilities, and I thank the (Gov. Deval) Patrick administration for using Recovery Act funds to get this project completed."

The Wedgemere project cost $2.2 million and has been funded through an American Recovery & Reinvestment Act (AARA) grant, according to the statement. The federal funding helped cover the costs associated with the design and installation of two new mini-high platforms and two accessible ramps that lead to the platform from the public way, the statement notes. The funds also helped with parking lot improvements and lighting improvements that comply with accessibility codes, reads the statement.

The MBTA consulted with the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Civil Rights Office to determine that the project represents an appropriate accessibility improvement, reads the statement.

"I'm so pleased that these upgrades to Wedgemere will improve the stationand make it more accessible to all residents," Sen. Katherine Clark said in the statement. "They are another great example of the productive partnership between the Commonwealth and the Town of Winchester." 

The town assisted the MBTA with the project by designing accessible elements that were implemented during the construction phase, according to the statement.

"I am very happy with the renovated Wedgemere Station, which increases the opportunity and convenience of public transportation for all,” said State Sen. Patricia Jehlen in the statement. "I am grateful to the City of Winchester and the MBTA for their commitment to increase accessibility and improve the station for all T riders. I am especially thankful to Jean Batty for all of her important advocacy."

Wedgemere is the 93rd fully accessible MBTA station in Massachusetts, according to the statement.

"I’m thrilled that these upgrades to Wedgemere Station will open access to the commuter rail and Boston to many more Winchester residents," said State Rep. Jason Lewis in the statement. "This project was the result of a strong partnership between Winchester residents and our local, state, and federal government."

No significant reportable accidents happened during the project, according to the statement. The station also remained operational while work was underway at the site, the statement added.

Previous Coverage

• MBTA Targets Spring Completion Date For Wedgemere Station Project
• New Ramps at Wedgemere Train Station Put on Hold
• New Design for Winchester Center Station Approved
• Winchester's Wedgemere Station to Get Improvements