Blue Hill Avenue station

Blue Hill Avenue station
Company type	MBTA Commuter Rail station
Industry	Public transportation
Founded	February 25, 2019; 7 years ago in Boston, Massachusetts, United States
Headquarters	Boston, United States
Area served	Boston, Massachusetts
Products	Commuter rail services
Website	www.mbta.com/stops/place-fairm

Blue Hill Avenue station serves as a regional rail stop on the MBTA Commuter Rail Fairmount Line, situated within Boston's Mattapan district. The facility includes a central island platform flanked by two tracks, equipped with ramps that provide accessibility for individuals with disabilities, connecting to Blue Hill Avenue and Cummins Highway. Although it was initially intended to open alongside Newmarket, Four Corners/Geneva, and Talbot Avenue, its inauguration was postponed due to community opposition. Construction commenced in 2017, culminating in the station's opening on February 25, 2019.

Earlier service

The Fairmount Line's origins trace back to 1855 when it operated as the Dorchester Branch of the Norfolk County Railroad, later integrated into the New York and New England Railroad and subsequently the New York, New Haven and Hartford Railroad. At that time, a station called Mattapan was positioned at Blue Hill Avenue. Prior to 1874, the Norfolk Street grade crossing (currently Babson Street) located east of the station was replaced by a bridge for road traffic.

In the late 1890s, Blue Hill Avenue underwent expansion from Walk Hill Street extending to Mattapan’s border with Milton. This development included replacing the level crossings at Blue Hill Avenue and Oakland Street (now known as Cummins Highway) with road bridges in 1901. To accommodate these changes, the station was relocated roughly eastward and renamed Blue Hill Avenue to avoid confusion with another nearby Mattapan station. Passenger service at this location ended in 1938 due to the 88 stations case, briefly resumed in 1940, but was discontinued again in 1944.

Enhancement initiative

During the Southwest Corridor construction in 1979, temporary shuttle service on the Fairmount Line was reinstated, stopping at Uphams Corner, Morton Street, and Fairmount stations. Although initially planned to cease once Southwest Corridor operations resumed in 1987, strong local demand ensured the line's continuation as a permanent MBTA route.

Advocates from the community introduced the "Indigo Line" proposal aimed at increasing stop frequency and upgrading service levels to rapid transit standards. While this plan was not fully implemented, several aspects were integrated into Massachusetts' 2005 pledge to enhance the Fairmount Line as part of efforts to mitigate air pollution caused by the Big Dig project. This commitment included adding four new commuter rail stations, among them Blue Hill Avenue, with an original target completion date by late 2011.

Planning

The construction of the Newmarket, Four Corners/Geneva, and Talbot Avenue stations commenced in 2011, with their openings occurring between 2012 and 2013. In contrast, the Blue Hill Avenue station encountered substantial opposition from the local community regarding its location and design, leading to delays. Originally, the station was to be situated between Blue Hill Avenue and Cummins Highway, featuring two side platforms similar to other stops; however, neighborhood resistance concerning construction effects necessitated a complete overhaul of the design.

The MBTA explored multiple alternative locations, but challenges such as property acquisition complications and unsuitable track curvature limited viable options. Ultimately, in May 2011, the MBTA decided to retain the initial site but opted for a single island platform configuration to minimize disruption to residences and reduce expenses. Despite these changes, opposition remained strong.

The completion of final design tasks—including an analysis focused on noise mitigation for 26 adjacent homes—was anticipated by mid-2012; however, this was delayed due to demands from local officials for an independent assessment. Consequently, the $10 million construction contract originally scheduled for late 2012 was deferred. Proposed construction start dates in 2013 also failed to materialize.

A public meeting held in April 2014 revealed divided opinions among residents, with some expressing concerns that the station was being imposed without sufficient community engagement. At that time, the MBTA planned to initiate construction in May 2015 aiming for a December 2016 opening; this timeline was later revised to a September 2015 start with an expected opening in June 2017.

In July 2015, approximately $70,000—representing half a percent of the total construction budget—was allocated by the MBTA for artist-designed signage panels as part of its Arts on the Line initiative. By early 2016, final design completion was projected within the year; however, uncertainty surrounding funding for the $25.2 million construction cost put the project’s continuation at risk. Full design plans were submitted in March 2016.

In June 2016, the Massachusetts Department of Transportation approved a $14.8 billion five-year Capital Investment Plan that secured funding for Blue Hill Avenue station’s $26 million construction cost—with over $3 million designated for FY2017 and the balance spread across FY2018 to FY2021.

Construction

The bidding process for the primary $19.3 million construction contract began in December 2016. On January 24, 2017, the MBTA Fiscal Management and Control Board authorized a $16.97 million contract award. Construction was scheduled to commence in Spring 2017 with an anticipated opening in Spring 2019.

Work officially started on June 3, 2017. Throughout construction, weekend Fairmount Line train service was truncated at Morton Street station, supplemented by bus shuttles linking Morton Street with Fairmount and Readville stations; additionally, late-night outbound weekday service was entirely replaced by buses. The station officially opened on February 25, 2019, followed by a formal ribbon-cutting ceremony on March 6. Although bicycle racks were initially installed during construction, they were removed shortly before opening with plans to reinstall them subsequently.

This new station shortened travel time from Blue Hill Avenue to downtown Boston’s South Station to about 23 minutes—a significant improvement compared to previous trips lasting between 45 and 60 minutes via Red Line or bus connections.

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