Greenbush Commuter Rail

Client: Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA)

Location: Boston southeast suburbs (line runs from Braintree to Scituate)

Project cost: $512 million

DMJM Harris was responsible for program management in support of and as an extension of MBTA staff during the design and construction of this $512 million design-build commuter rail project. This project was the first design-build project undertaken by MBTA and consists of 18 miles of trackwork, including 1.5 miles of shared freight track, 26 grade crossings, 16 bridges, shallow cut trench, tunnel, and seven stations with significant environmental and historical mitigation. Revenue service began on October 31, 2007. 

Sustainable features: Excavated material on site was used as backfill for stations, parking lots, and low areas to avoid off site hauling. LED lights, which require less electricity, were used in the signal system. Special wildlife crossings were designed to allow wildlife, primarily turtles, to cross the tracks.