South Station Transportation Center Improvements
South Station Transportation Center improvements will be completed as part of the South Station Air Rights Project, a collaboration between the Boston Planning & Development Agency (BPDA), the developer Hines, and the MBTA.
In 1977, the BPDA (then the Boston Redevelopment Authority) sold South Station to the T, but maintained ownership of the air rights. In 2016, the BPDA approved the air rights project.
The nearly five-year project will include privately funded improvements to South Station’s rail and bus terminals in addition to a new, mixed-use tower with both office and residential space. Construction began in January 2020.
What to Expect During This Work
Construction began in 2020 on Atlantic Avenue and the area adjacent to Track 13. Work on the tower began in 2021.
Current Impacts
The ramp and stairway located at Atlantic Avenue has reopened to pedestrians.
In February 2025, the Tower Work Zone will close. New work zones will be placed at the ends of tracks 1 – 4. The bifold doors between the terminal and concourse adjacent to Atlantic Avenue will be closed as a result.
New sliding door access will be available between the terminal and concourse at the ends of Tracks 5 – 10. The reopened Atlantic Avenue entrance will allow access to these tracks.
The graphic shows the new work zones following the closure of the Tower Work Zone. It also reflects the reopening of the ramp and stairway located at Atlantic Avenue and additional accessible paths of travel.
Station Access During Construction
Construction zones may impact station entrance and exit locations, or affect which departure and arrival platforms trains use. Please verify your track number before heading to the platform.
All entrances to South Station will remain ADA-accessible.
Project Stages
The air rights project will be completed in three stages. Construction schedules are subject to change due to weather and other factors.
- Stage 1: 2020 – 2021. Work includes the establishment of construction zones near Atlantic Avenue, Summer Street, and Track 13. Some retail kiosks inside South Station will be moved to accommodate work.
- Stage 2: 2021 – 2022. Work includes expanding the bus terminal and building a parking garage over the existing tracks/platforms. Construction will begin on the foundation and structure of the mixed-use tower.
- Stage 3: 2023 – 2025. Work includes the completion of the South Station Transportation Center with new escalators, stairs, and elevators. The mixed use tower will be completed in 2025.
How This Work Will Improve South Station
When the South Station Transportation Center improvements are complete, you will be able to transfer more easily and comfortably between the bus and rail terminals at the station.
- The outdoor Commuter Rail concourse area will expand by 67%, and the tracks and platforms will be completely covered.
- Bus terminal capacity will increase by more than 50% and provide more convenient connections to the Commuter Rail.
- New escalators, stairs, and elevators will be available between the bus terminal and main concourse.
- A new indoor bike storage area will be installed.
Service Impacts
There are no expected impacts to MBTA service at this time. Please allow an extra five to 10 minutes to navigate the station.
Past Events
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