Newmarket station (MBTA)
| Company type | MBTA Commuter Rail station |
|---|---|
| Industry | Transportation |
| Founded | July 1, 2013 |
| Headquarters | Boston , United States |
Area served | Boston, Massachusetts |
| Products | Commuter rail services on Fairmount Line and Franklin/Foxboro Line (select trains) |
Newmarket station functions as an MBTA Commuter Rail stop situated in Boston, Massachusetts, catering to the Fairmount Line alongside select trains on the Franklin/Foxboro Line. Positioned adjacent to Massachusetts Avenue within Newmarket Square in Dorchester, the station includes two elevated platforms connected by sloped walkways leading to Massachusetts Avenue. Originally slated for a 2011 opening, it commenced operations on July 1, 2013, simultaneously with Four Corners/Geneva station.
Earlier operations
Service on the Fairmount Line began in 1855 as the Dorchester Branch of the Norfolk County Railroad, later managed by the New York and New England Railroad and subsequently the New York, New Haven and Hartford Railroad. This service persisted until 1944. While stations were established at South Boston and Uphams Corner, there was no stop located at Massachusetts Avenue. The vicinity near Massachusetts Avenue was originally tidal marshland until it was reclaimed in the early 1900s for railroad yards and industrial development.
In 1979, a temporary shuttle service restarted on the Fairmount Line during construction of the Southwest Corridor, with stops at Uphams Corner, Morton Street, and Fairmount. Although this shuttle was intended to cease upon completion of the Southwest Corridor in 1987, persistent local advocacy ensured that the Fairmount Line remained a permanent part of the MBTA network.
Development plans
Community groups advocated for the Indigo Line concept, which envisioned adding stations and increasing train frequency to transform the Fairmount Line into a rapid transit-like service. While this proposal was not fully implemented, some aspects were incorporated into Massachusetts' 2005 commitment to enhance the Fairmount Line as part of efforts to address air pollution caused by the Big Dig. The resulting Fairmount Line Improvements included four new commuter rail stations, one of which was planned at Massachusetts Avenue, originally targeted for completion by 2011.
Additionally, Newmarket was identified as a potential stop on the Urban Ring, a proposed circumferential bus rapid transit (BRT) route designed to link radial MBTA lines and reduce congestion in downtown Boston. Draft plans from 2008 proposed dedicated bus lanes on Massachusetts Avenue with stops near the railroad bridge; however, this initiative was cancelled in 2010.
Building phase
Following extensive planning, bidding for construction of Newmarket station commenced on August 18, 2010, with a contract valued at $12.283 million. Groundbreaking occurred in January 2011 but encountered setbacks due to unforeseen electrical infrastructure related to an adjacent shopping plaza.
By April 2012, construction had reached approximately 49% completion, with platforms installed though ramps and canopies were yet to be built. Progress advanced to 70% by September as canopies were erected and ramp construction was underway. By April 2013, work was about 85% finished, culminating in substantial completion by July 1, 2013; final touches extended through August. Ribbon-cutting ceremonies celebrating Newmarket and two additional stations took place on July 17, 2013.
In instances of disruption at South Station, Newmarket operates as the inbound terminus for Fairmount Line trains and offers bus transfers to nearby Andrew station or directly to South Station.