News

Widett Circle Land bought by MBTA for New Train Yard

Thursday Apr 20, 2023

Photo by MBTafan2011, via Wikipedia.
Photo by MBTafan2011, via Wikipedia.  

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) announced that it has acquired a large parcel of land in South Boston for a new commuter rail train yard. The land, located in Widett Circle, was once considered as a potential site for an Olympic stadium and a mixed-use development.

The MBTA says the new train yard will help improve the commuter rail service by reducing the distance between trains and South Station, the main hub for the rail network. The current train yard is located in Readville, nine miles away from South Station.

The MBTA paid $255 million for the 24-acre property, which was owned by a group of food wholesalers. The deal was finalized on April 14, 2023.

"This is a historic moment for the MBTA and for the region," said MBTA general manager Phillip Eng. "We are investing in our future and creating more opportunities for our customers and our communities."