Andover station (MBTA)
| Company type | MBTA Commuter Rail station |
|---|---|
| Industry | Transportation |
| Founded | 1906 |
| Headquarters | Andover , United States |
| Products | Commuter rail services |
Andover station functions as a stop on the MBTA Commuter Rail network within Andover, Massachusetts, serving the Haverhill Line. It consists of a single platform equipped with a mini-high section to enhance accessibility on one track; the adjacent track lacks platform access. The former station building, which was operational from 1907 until 1959, still stands and was recognized in 1982 on the National Register of Historic Places under the name Third Railroad Station.
History
The Andover and Wilmington Railroad commenced operations in August 1836 as a branch line of the Boston and Lowell Railroad (B&L), featuring a modest Greek Revival-style station situated near Andover’s town center. In 1842, this line was absorbed by the Boston and Maine Railroad (B&M). By 1848, B&M shifted its main route westward to provide service to Lawrence, resulting in the railway moving several blocks away from Andover’s central square. An initial temporary station was succeeded by a larger L-shaped structure that included a train shed; by 1875, a brick freight house had also been constructed.
Between 1906 and 1907, B&M erected a new station designed by architect Henry B. Fletcher, inspired by Beverly Depot, with an investment of $50,000. This facility remained in service until 1959 before being repurposed for commercial use. It was subsequently listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1982.
The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA), founded in 1964 to provide commuter rail subsidies, initially did not include Andover within its service area. Beginning in 1965, service reductions left only one Boston–Dover round trip stopping at Andover; this was further shortened to terminate at Haverhill in 1967 through local funding. In 1974, both North Andover and Andover opted not to renew subsidies; service to North Andover ceased, while Andover commuters temporarily financed continued operations until 1976, when stops at Shawsheen, Andover, and Ballardvale were discontinued.
In December 1976, the MBTA acquired most commuter rail assets from B&M, including the Western Route. Plans for reinstating service to Haverhill were initiated in 1978 with assistance from the Merrimack Valley Regional Transit Authority. Service recommenced on December 17, 1979, encompassing Lawrence as well.
In January 1989, the MBTA allocated $770,000 for constructing new parking facilities and accessible mini-high platforms at both Ballardvale and Andover stations; these improvements were finalized in 1992. Passengers now board from a single platform located behind the former freight house; both historic buildings have been converted into commercial spaces. A second track was installed between 2015 and 2017 but no additional MBTA platform was added; as of 2022, this track mainly accommodates stationary freight trains.
See also
External links
- Former Boston and Maine Railroad stations
- MBTA Commuter Rail stations in Essex County, Massachusetts
- Railway stations on the National Register of Historic Places in Massachusetts
- Shingle Style architecture in Massachusetts
- Railway stations in the United States opened in 1906
- Buildings and structures in Andover, Massachusetts
- National Register of Historic Places in Andover, Massachusetts