February 16, 2007

Renovated Charles/MGH MBTA station opens Feb. 17

MGHers, patients and the general public who ride the Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority (MBTA) Red Line can begin to use the reconstructed Charles/MGH train station Feb. 17. The new station, located on a pedestrian island in the center of Cambridge Street, is conveniently situated across from the west entrance of the Yawkey Center for Outpatient Care. A crosswalk equipped with new pedestrian and traffic signals provides a safe and direct route to the MGH campus. Designed to be compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the station also features barrier-free access, ramps, and elevators and escalators to transfer commuters from the trackside platform to the street level.

Because MGH patients, visitors and employees often use the Charles/MGH station, the hospital has worked closely with the MBTA to bring the reconstructed station to fruition. The partnership between the hospital and the MBTA began in 1998 when the MGH sponsored a subway station redesign competition. More than 130 individuals ranging from local school children, community residents and architects submitted their designs and ideas for an improved facility. Some of the concepts were considered in the ultimate plan for the new station. In 2002, the MBTA committed to rebuild the station, and the MGH presented the MBTA with a check for $2.5 million to assist with the upgrade. Federal and state funds backed the project in part due to efforts from James Mongan, MD, president and chief executive officer of Partners; Thomas Glynn, chief operating officer of Partners; and the late Thomas S. Durant, MD, MGH physician.

"The hospital has remained committed to modernizing the station, and most importantly, ensuring that the station is accessible for all patients and individuals," says Jean Elrick, MD, senior vice president for MGH Administration. "The glass-enclosed structure provides a modern and safe gateway between Cambridge and Boston and also provides a new street-level pedestrian route through Charles Circle. We are pleased to lend our support to this project and see it benefit the hospital, community and the city."