Northampton platform project (2018-19)

In 2019 MassDOT completed a project that extended the station platform in Northampton to a length of 146 feet.

The extension of the platform allows for simultaneous level access boarding/disembarking of three passenger cars (one door each of the lead and rear cars / both doors of the middle car).

Architectural rendering of planned expanded rail platform
Northampton, Ma. | June 2017

In summary, the project includes the following components:

the high-level platform will be extended from its current length of 46 feet to a length of 146 feet
the canopies will be extended to cover the entire length of the expanded platform
new ramps and stairs will be constructed to access the platform extensions
Existing ramps, stairs, handrails and guard fence will be modified where required to coordinate with the new construction
A new bike rack will also be installed in the concourse area
the adjacent parking lot and access road will be modified to include redesigned curb islands, reset curb, new pavement sections, new pavement striping including: five ADA compliant parking spaces, crosswalks, ADA compliant wheelchair ramps, and cement concrete concourse and sidewalks
Closed-circuit video cameras will be added along with station wayfinding signage

Selected drawings

Proposed Site Plan | Northampton station

Elevation / Sections | Northampton station

Project milestones

June 2017 | MassDOT announces that they intend to extend the station platform in Northampton to a length of 146 feet.

July 11, 2018 | The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (for MassDOT) formally advertised MBTA Contract No. T92CN02 – the Knowledge Corridor Northampton and Greenfield Station Platform Extension Project.

August 9, 2018 | Bids were opened and the apparent low bidder is Newport Construction Corp. of Nashua, New Hampshire with a bid of $2,561,000. If all goes well, the contract will be awarded without delay and work will start in September.

October 26, 2018 | Notice to Proceed issued.

February 14, 2018 | Work at the site starts.

April 28, 2019 | Work on repaving the parking lots starts.

May 2019 | Timber construction work now underway.

July 2019 | Most work on the project would appear to be complete except for the second coat of asphalt on access road and parking lots and the new signage.

August 27, 2019 | The full length the new platform was opened to the public.