Metro Magazine

APR 2014

Magazine serving the bus and rail transit & motorcoach operations since 1904

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One of the largest infrastructure projects in the commonwealth and the Massa- chusetts Bay Transportation Authori- ty's (MBTA's) f rst expansion project in 25 years, the Green Line light rail ser- vice project in Boston is set to greatly improve sustainable public transit ser- vice in some of the region's most dense- ly populated municipalities. PROJECT SCOPE T e project, known as the Green Line Extension (GLX), will include seven new stations — Lechmere, Union Square, Washington Stre et, Gilman S quare, Lowell Street, Ball Square and College Avenue — which are all due to open by 2019; 4.5 miles of light rail track; the re- location of Lechmere station; the recon- struction of bridges along the corridor; and the development of two new build- ings, including a vehicle maintenance facility. In total, the project will add ap- proximately 215,000 square feet of new facilities. Due to the immense impact, the GLX project scope demanded sustainability objectives be established early on, are managed in an organized and meaning- ful way, and remained transparent so they can be communicated to all project stakeholders — especially the surround- ing communities directly af ected by the GLX and hold high expectations for the project. As the GLX runs through many neighborhoods, at times in extreme- ly close proximity to homes, it has been critical to implement practices address- ing sustainability in every aspect of the project's design and construction. "T e MBTA has a duty to responsibly design, construct, operate, and manage all aspects of the project to ensure con- tinued community support and deliv- er a project that not only provides long- term operational benef ts to the MBTA, but also showcases the need for sustain- able transit and infrastructure projects," says Mary Ainsley, senior director, de- sign and construction, for MBTA. "T e GLX project provides a vital ser- vice to the communities that will help connect and strengthen them," says An- drew Brennan, director, energy and en- vironment, of the MBTA, who is lead- ing the sustainability charge for the GLX. "Sustainability is one of the key principles of this entire project and is embedded at every decision point." The project will be delivered by con- 28 < m ETRO m AGAZINE APRIL 2014 metro-magazine.com The Green Line Extension will include seven new stations, the addition of 4.5 miles of light rail track and the development of two facilities, with emphasis placed on developing and implementing sustainable solutions wherever possible. BY AMY GARROD, LEED AP BD+C Sustainable Service: Planning a Green(er) Line for Boston M E T R O 0 4 1 4 _ S U S T A I N . i n d d 2 8 METRO0414_SUSTAIN.indd 28 3 / 1 8 / 1 4 1 : 1 6 P M 3/18/14 1:16 PM

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