(rshsdepot) Uphams Corner, MA

[I95BERNIEW_@_aol.com]

From The Boston Globe.
 
Bernie Wagenblast
 
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
 
 
Uphams Corner rail upgrade unveiled
By Mac Daniel, Globe Staff  |  January 23, 2007 
State and MBTA officials will unveil a $7 million upgrade today to the Uphams 
 Corner commuter rail station in Dorchester, the first station renovation  
completed on a long-sought renovation of the MBTA's Fairmount Line. 
At 9 miles, it is the T's shortest commuter rail line and runs through  
neighborhoods where many depend on public transit: Hyde Park, Mattapan, and  
Dorchester. The $100 million overhaul will add four stations, upgrade tracks and  
signals, and fix six bridges. It will also result in better service from  
Readville to South Station. The project is expected to be complete in 2011. 
"It's coming at the perfect time," said Ed Grimes, executive director of the  
Uphams Corner Health Center. "It's kind of a rebirth for that whole area." 
Not long ago, many residents of Uphams Corner didn't know there was a  
commuter rail station nearby. Hidden behind an abandoned furniture warehouse,  the 
station's rusted shelter, trash can, and worn-out bench were the only signs  
that the trains stopped. The steps to the station were dark. 
"People were not very secure in going there and using it," said Grimes. 
Now, the area is growing. While Grimes said crime remains a concern, the  
nearby vacant lots are the future home of the Salvation Army's $100 million  
community center. The renovation also moved the station's stairs to the Dudley  
Street side, installed more lighting, and made the station fully accessible. 
Renovations to Morton Street and Fairmount are nearly completed. A coalition  
of community leaders and development corporations has asked that a total of 
five  new stations be built along the line. So far, the T has only approved 
four:  Newmarket, Four Corners, Talbot Avenue, and Blue Hill Avenue. 
T officials project that ridership would jump from 2,800 per day now to about 
 7,300 daily, once the four stations are built, turning an hourlong bus and  
subway ride from Mattapan to downtown into a 15- to 20-minute train ride. It 
now  takes 11 minutes to go from Uphams Corner to South Station. There are 22 
inbound  and 21 outbound trips each weekday. 
Mac Daniel can be reached at _mdaniel_@_globe.com_ (mailto:mdaniel@globe.com) . 
 


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