State wants to extend Green Line to Mystic River

The state recommended today that the MBTA's Green Line should be extended all the way to the Mystic River, a decision that will take the trolley line a mile further into Medford than an alternative route that stopped at Tufts University.
The $600 million plan, which will require federal funding, would move Lechmere Station and extend the trolley line to the Mystic Valley Parkway, which is also known as Route 16. The station would be near Medford's border with Somerville and Arlington, a location that is within a half-mile walk of nearly 10, 000 residents. The proposal released today, however, does not include construction of a new parking facility, an addition that had been discussed.

“The Green Line Extension will advance community plans for smart growth and urban redevelopment and provide environmental justice communities with faster rides to jobs and destinations," said Transportation Secretary James Aloisi Jr. in a press release announcing the decision. The Executive Office of Transportation "is very pleased to advance this project and we will continue to work with local officials to make it very successful.”

The shorter route would have ended the Green Line extension at College Avenue near Tufts University. Some Medford residents have opposed the longer route because they are concerned about traffic, parking, and other congestion problems.

The state committed to extend the Green Line into Medford nearly 20 years ago to avoid a lawsuit. The Conservation Law Foundation had threatened to block the Big Dig if Massachusetts did not also make transit improvements.

In a statement, the law foundation applauded the decision to extend the Green Line all the way to the Mystic River. Staff attorney Carrie Russell said it showed that the state was "striving to fully realize the promise it made to the residents of Massachusetts to reduce air pollution and improve access to rapid transit."

By Globe Staff