Endicott station
| Company type | MBTA Commuter Rail station |
|---|---|
| Industry | Transportation |
| Founded | January 1, 1855 |
| Headquarters | Dedham , United States |
| Products | Commuter rail service |
Endicott station functions as a stop on the MBTA Commuter Rail network in Dedham, Massachusetts, served by the Franklin/Foxboro Line. Situated near the intersection of Grant Avenue and Elmwood Avenue, this station currently lacks accessible features; however, plans are in place to introduce accessible platforms.
History
The Norfolk County Railroad inaugurated its Boston Extension (also known as the Midland Branch) connecting to Boston on January 1, 1855. This route was established to avoid dependence on the Boston and Providence Railroad (B&P). Among its initial stops was a station named East Street. Operations were interrupted from July 1855 until late 1856 due to a grade crossing legal dispute, and again from 1858 to 1867 owing to financial difficulties. The line resumed service under the management of the Boston, Hartford and Erie Railroad.
Originally designated East Street during its early years and reopening phase, the station adopted the name Elmwood by 1875 under the ownership of the New York and New England Railroad (NY&NE). Between 1885 and 1891, it was renamed Endicott, a change likely associated with the Endicott Land Company. The surrounding area experienced residential growth during the 1890s.
Following corporate changes, NY&NE reorganized into the New England Railroad in 1895 and came under control of the New Haven Railroad in 1898. After this transition, rail service predominantly shifted to the B&P mainline. By the turn of the century, a depot equipped with a ticket office was located north of the tracks at Elmwood Street; this structure no longer exists. When constructing Dedham Corporate Center station in the late 1980s, the MBTA evaluated options including closing Endicott or installing a pedestrian underpass but ultimately took no action.
In 2019, Endicott was classified by the MBTA as a "Tier I" priority for accessibility improvements. In 2024, temporary freestanding accessible platforms were trialed at Beverly Depot as an economical interim measure that avoids comprehensive station reconstruction. Endicott is slated for similar enhancements funded through Fair Share Amendment revenues, with design activities commencing in early 2024.
The rail corridor crosses East Street via a bridge believed to date back to the original line construction; its decks were replaced in 1904. The bridge’s limited vertical clearance has resulted in numerous collisions involving over-height trucks—eleven incidents occurred between July 2019 and September 2023. A $23.1 million project is underway to increase clearance height, incorporate shoulders, and add sidewalks. In April 2024, a $16.5 million contract was awarded for construction. Work began around July 2024 and is projected to conclude by August 2026.