Widett Circle
| Company type | District and roadway |
|---|---|
| Industry | Transportation, logistics |
| Headquarters | Boston , United States |
Area served | South Boston, Massachusetts |
Widett Circle refers to both a district and a roadway situated in South Boston, Massachusetts. Historically known as a hub for wholesale food distribution, the site is now under consideration for redevelopment initiatives. Positioned within an industrial sector, it is nestled between a curve in Interstate 93 and nearby railroad facilities, close to the Massachusetts Avenue access point to I-93. The name honors Harold Widett, who served as legal counsel for the meat packing union.
Encircling Widett Circle are two railroad tracks forming a loop utilized by Amtrak for turning trains around; this setup also includes a train washing station. Nearby rail infrastructure comprises Amtrak’s Southampton Street Yard, Amtrak’s Front Yard, and the MBTA’s South Side Service and Inspection Facility.
Various development proposals for Widett Circle have been considered, such as:
- An expanded layover yard for the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) commuter rail
- A facility dedicated to waste recycling and transfer operations
- A 28,000-seat stadium intended for the New England Revolution soccer franchise, planned on municipal land between Widett Circle and I-93
- Creation of a floodable watershed area
- Serving as the primary stadium site in Boston’s bid for the 2024 Summer Olympics (a plan discontinued in 2015 due to public opposition)
In December 2022, the MBTA Board approved entering negotiations to acquire the property for use as a commuter rail layover yard. The purchase price is anticipated to be approximately $200 million, with construction expected to span three years. The design of the new facility may incorporate future air rights development opportunities and aims to lessen dependence on the former Beacon Park Yard located in Allston. The MBTA finalized this acquisition in April 2023. Additionally, Amtrak has indicated interest in utilizing Widett Circle for train layover purposes.