Newtonville Station Will Close for Accessibility Upgrades
The existing low-level, single-side platforms at the Newtonville Commuter Rail Station (part of the Framingham/Worcester Line) can only be accessed by stairways. Planned improvements include fully accessible high-level platforms, accessible pathways, elevators, stairs, benches, canopies, tactile warning strips, wayfinding signage, bicycle racks, and dedicated pick-up and drop-off areas.
The end result of the MBTA’s planned upgrades will clearly be a public benefit.
Unfortunately, to reach that end result, the station will be fully closed for more than two years. The MBTA’s project page lists the construction timeline as November 2026 to June 2029. Fig City News quotes a timeline of December 2026 to April 2029, based on information presented by the MBTA Capital Delivery Team at a public meeting on June 24, 2026.
The accessibility upgrades are a significant improvement for Newtonville Station, but the extended closure raises practical questions about how to reroute trips during construction.
Current Newtonville station users will need to board and alight at the West Newton station, and can also make use of the following bus routes:
- MBTA Route 59: Provides all-day service north-south.
- MBTA Route 553: Provides all-day service east-west.
- MBTA Routes 554 and 556: Provide rush-hour only service east-west.
The MBTA’s project page identifies this work as part of a broader Newton Commuter Rail Stations Accessibility Improvements project. Pending additional funding, the MBTA will work on similar upgrades at the Auburndale and West Newton stations.
Learn more: MBTA Project page → | Fig City news → | The Newton Beacon →
