Newton Highlands station
| Company type | Light rail station |
|---|---|
| Industry | Public transportation |
| Founded | November 1852 |
| Headquarters | Newton, Massachusetts , United States |
| Products | Light rail transit services (Green Line D branch) |
| Owner | Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority |
Newton Highlands station operates as a surface-level light rail stop located in Newton, Massachusetts, serving the Green Line D branch managed by the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority.
History
In November 1852, the Brookline Branch of the Boston and Worcester Railroad extended westward to Newton Upper Falls through the Charles River Branch Railroad, introducing a flag stop named Oak Hill—which was later renamed Newton Highlands. The station building, commissioned by the Boston and Albany Railroad, was finalized in June 1887 shortly after the death of architect Henry Hobson Richardson. This design incorporated landscaping by Frederick Law Olmsted. Recognized for its historical significance, the station is included in the National Register of Historic Places within the Newton Railroad Stations Historic District. Passenger service via commuter rail ceased in 1958 but resumed as a light rail facility on July 4, 1959.
The structure, once utilized as an auto parts store, is currently undergoing refurbishment and partially accommodates a periodontist’s practice. Although it no longer serves as a waiting room for travelers, its overhanging eaves offer shelter to passengers boarding outbound trains.
Renovations
Newton Highlands station has three access points—all leading to the outbound platform—with riders crossing tracks to reach the inbound platform. Previously, the station's low platforms combined with ramps steeper than permitted by regulations hindered full accessibility, although portable lifts were available to provide limited assistance.
By October 2015, plans for a comprehensive accessibility upgrade had reached 30% design completion. This initiative includes enhancing current ramps, constructing an accessible ramp from Hyde Street to the inbound platform, and elevating platform heights. Temporary accessible ramps and platform segments were installed during track work in 2019–20 to ensure continued accessibility.
The finalization of design was postponed from December 2022 to 2023; bidding is anticipated in early 2024 with construction slated to commence in fall 2024. To accommodate required weekend line closures, the MBTA intends to install additional crossovers in 2026 enabling single-track operations. This will allow construction at Newton Highlands to begin in 2027. The estimated cost for this project stands near $30 million.