MBTA To Build North Wilmington Platform With Recycled Bridge

WILMINGTON, MA — The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority is planning to use its own money to build a platform for the North Wilmington commuter rail stop, member's of Wilmington's state legislative delegation told the Board of Selectmen at the Board's Monday meeting. The Authority will be using recycled components of dismantled bridge, the legislators said, freeing up a state budget line item for the town to use on improvements related to the platform. Local officials had expressed concern that the current stop, which blocks traffic on Route 62, could be a public safety issue.

State Sen. Bruce Tarr, a Republican, and State Rep. Dave Robertson, a Democrat, spoke to the Board. Tarr explained that, in discussions with the MBTA and Town Manager Jeffrey Hull, they had come up with a solution that resolves three major goals identified by the Board: improving public safety, maintaining service, and improving accessibility. While plans are still in the works, the MBTA has committed to use its own money to build an accessible platform in a different location that doesn't block the road, Tarr said.

Robertson noted that the platform will also include weather overhangs, lighting and landscape, and "will actually have a semblance of a real platform." With the $180,000 in the budget, the town could improve the sidewalk or the parking lot at the station, to increase use.

The Selectmen were very appreciative.

"You didn't come to us with a compromise position, you came tonight checking all the boxes," said Selectman Jomarie O'Mahony. "We appreciate the collaboration that brought you to this."

The full meeting is available here from WCTV.

Christopher Huffaker can be reached at 412-265-8353 or chris.huffaker@patch.com.