Lechmere Viaduct Rehabilitation
The Lechmere Viaduct carries Green Line trains from Lechmere across the Charles River into downtown Boston. Streetcars first crossed the bridge in June 1912.
- Contract awarded: December 2019
- Project completed: March 2022
- Budget: $87.4 million
- Status: Substantially complete
What We Accomplished
The bridge closed to support work on the Green Line Extension project in May 2020. Crews completed the following work during construction:
- Reinforced all 12 spans with carbon fiber wrap to increase structural integrity
- Renewed more than 3,500 feet of track and 70,000 feet of signals
- Replaced the overhead catenary system that supplies power to the trains
- Enhanced accessibility for riders at Science Park station
The completed project will extend service life, reduce maintenance costs, and allow the viaduct to handle heavier loads—while also preserving the aesthetics of the historical structure.
While construction on this project is substantially complete, crews will continue to update to Science Park Station and the façade. The bridge is safe, able to sustain heavy loads and ready for train travel across the river. Shuttles will continue to be in service for riders until the Green Line Extension Project is completed later this month.
Building a Better T
As part of our $9.6 billion, 5-year capital investment plan, we're renovating stations, modernizing fare collection systems, upgrading services for our buses, subways, and ferries, and improving the accessibility of the entire system.
Why We Did This Work
These upgrades allow more trains to pass over the bridge, ultimately serving a completely new Lechmere Station and the six new stations constructed as part of the Green Line Extension.
Photo Gallery
New ties installed (January 2021)
Workers securing rail (June 2021)
New conduit installation (June 2021)
Cranes lift construction materials (October 2020)
Contact Information
For inquiries and comments related to the Lechmere Viaduct, email the Green Line Transformation team at GLT@mbta.com.
Recent Updates
Related Projects
Green Line Transformation
We're investing in multiple projects to increase the capacity of the Green Line and make it safer and more accessible.
Green Line Extension
We're extending the Northern end of the Green Line and adding 6 new accessible stations.
Building a Better T
As part of our $9.6 billion, 5-year capital investment plan, we're renovating stations, modernizing fare collection systems, upgrading services for our buses, subways, and ferries, and improving the accessibility of the entire system.
Recent Updates
Related Projects
Green Line Transformation
We're investing in multiple projects to increase the capacity of the Green Line and make it safer and more accessible.
Green Line Extension
We're extending the Northern end of the Green Line and adding 6 new accessible stations.