Natick Center Station Renderings Show Modern, Accessible Style

NATICK, MA — The Natick Center Station improvement project was officially sent out to bid by the MBTA and renderings of the proposed finished product show an accessible, modern station. The project will cost nearly $40 million and take about two years to complete, but the MBTA plans to keep the station open throughout the construction process.

The project is focused on making the station more accessible to those with disabilities and includes adding elevators, ramps and two sets of stairs on each platform, as well as installing tactile paving to ensure riders who are visually impaired are alerted when they get close to the edge of the platform.

The Natick Center station serves about 1,250 riders a day, making it the busiest in the commuter rail system without full handicapped access.

The final design shows the new partially covered bridge that will replace the existing bridge. The renderings show the new bridge surrounded by glass with lighting on the ceiling and handrails. The MBTA is accepting bids until Oct. 3 on the project and work could start as soon as 2020.

The Natick Center Station is a stop on the Framingham/Worcester line and runs into South Station.

The existing station has received attention for a community art installation called the Tunnel of Love, which displays handcrafted, crocheted patches that are woven together as a quilt over the station bridge. While residents have expressed a desire to make the installation permanent, the MBTA and the town haven't set anything in stone. The MBTA design staff will hold a meeting in October which may discuss art installations.