Natick Center Commuter Rail Station Accessibility Improvements

Enhancing Connectivity and Comfort through Comprehensive Upgrades and Strategic Phasing

This project reconstructed the existing Natick Center Commuter Rail Station. The scope of work included two elevators, three new stairways, two accessible ramps, new platforms, track work, signage, lighting, electrical systems, including emergency power, and rider communication systems. The existing pedestrian bridge was replaced.

To accommodate the requirement that the station remain operational throughout construction, the DOC team developed a phased construction plan. During the first phase, the new station was constructed on the east side of the site. Once that phase was complete, passenger loading shifted to the newly constructed facilities, allowing construction of the second phase on the west side of the station.

Project Highlights

• Earth support systems and upgrades to drainage infrastructure
• Raising of the inbound track, 1,140 feet of new track, and 1,160 ties
• New high-level platforms and canopies provide level boarding to every car in a train set
• Accessibility improvements, including two elevators, two 335 lin. ft. covered ramps, and stairs
• Other features include audible announcements for arriving trains, brighter lighting, and tactile warning strips along the platform edges.
• A new 77 ft. long pedestrian bridge
• Street improvements around the station
• Covered bike racks
• Includes the construction of a new 1,300 lin. ft. bike path linking the north side of the outbound platform to the Cochituate Rail Trail
• Designed and constructed to accommodate a future third express track between the inbound and outbound lines, allowing flexibility for potential service enhancements down the road