Recent Posts

"New manager named to lead Green Line extension project" (Boston Globe) "[John Dalton] brings a wealth of technical knowledge, as well as familiarity with the federal funding process and the process of engaging stakeholders," Brian Shortsleeve, the MBTA's acting general manager, said at the weekly meeting of the fiscal control board that oversees the T. Dalton is "exactly what is needed to…

In a recent email, Representative Capuano shared his take on the current status and possible paths forward:

It’s been a few months since I’ve shared information about the Green Line Extension (GLX) so I thought it was a good time to provide an update on the status of the project.

Based on the information I have, here is where the GLX stands.  The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has been reviewing the MBTA’s updated submission detailing the project’s changes (i.e. station redesigns) and cost estimates.

• The FTA seems to be in general agreement with the MBTA’s new project cost estimates as well as its revised project schedule;
• The FTA seems to be in general agreement with the MBTA that project changes do not substantially alter the project.  This is good news because it means there is no need to start all over “at the back of the line”.

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"Green Line extension getting close" (CommonWealth Magazine) "Andrew Brennan, director of energy and environment at the T, said federal officials who are being asked to provide $1 billion for the project are now comfortable with the redesign. He also said the T is in the process of recruiting the top officials to manage the project, and has a written agreement with…

"Contractors Sought for Green Line Extension Project: MassDOT" (Somerville Patch) "The MBTA is currently seeking letters of interest from contractors as it prepares to begin the next phase of the Green Line Extension project." "MBTA begins Green Line extension contractor search" (International Railway Journal) "MBTA intends to enter into a design-build contract with the best-value design-build entity that will be identified…

"Feds have reservations about Green Line, but encourage state to move forward" (Boston Globe) "FTA regional administrator Mary Beth Mello said the federal agency still needs a 'good deal of clarifying information' before signing off on the project and handing over nearly $1 billion in federal funding. 'Your project schedule is mechanically sound, but optimistic - any delays in your schedule would…

When the Green Line Extension estimate suddenly rose by $1 billion, the State immediately put the project on hold, seriously considered canceling it, and then greatly simplified it. But when another project, South Coast rail, not legally required, suddenly saw a $1 billion price increase, guess what? The State simply assured the public they would still complete this project, no problem.…

"T board OKs $15m more for Green Line ext." (CommonWealth Magazine) "[T]he T has spent $4.5 million of a $6 million authorization and needs up to $15 million more to move ahead with developing specifications for a future construction contract....Federal officials are coming into town this week for meetings where they are expected to say how they view the T's redesign.…