Union Square station (Somerville): Difference between revisions

Union Square
Union Square
	A train arriving at Union Square station in March 2022
General information
Location	Prospect Street south of Union Square; Somerville, Massachusetts
Coordinates	42°22′37.72″N 71°5′39.45″W / 42.3771444°N 71.0942917°W
Line(s)	Union Square Branch
Platforms	1 island platform (Green Line)
Tracks	2 (Green Line); 2 (Fitchburg Line)
Connections	MBTA bus: 85, 87, 91, 109, CT2
Construction
Bicycle facilities	120 spaces
Accessible	Yes
History
Opened	March 21, 2022
Passengers
	3,645 boardings (projected)
Services
Former services
Location
Location

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Latest revision as of 19:29, 20 December 2024

Union Square station is a light rail station on the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) Green Line located in the Union Square neighborhood of southeastern Somerville, Massachusetts. The accessible terminal station has a single island platform serving the two tracks of the Union Square Branch, which parallels the Fitchburg Line. It opened on March 21, 2022, as part of the Green Line Extension (GLX), which added two northern branches to the Green Line.

The Fitchburg Railroad opened a station at Prospect Street in the 1840s; it was renamed to Union Square around 1875. The station was closed in 1938 and demolished around that time. Extensions to the Green Line were proposed throughout the 20th century, but a Union Square spur was not considered until the early 21st century. Several station sites and alignments were considered, with the Prospect Street location and the route along the Fitchburg Line chosen in 2009. The MBTA agreed in 2012 to open the station by 2017, and a construction contract was awarded in 2013.

Cost increases triggered a wholesale reevaluation of the GLX project in 2015. A scaled-down station design was released in 2016, with a design and construction contract issued in 2017. Construction of Union Square station began in early 2020 and was largely completed by late 2021. The station was initially served by the Green Line E branch, but is now served by the Green Line D branch. A major development project is under construction near the station.

Station design

Union Square station is located on the east side of the Prospect Street bridge, about 900 feet (270 m) south of the Union Square intersection. The Fitchburg Line runs roughly northwest–southeast through the station area, with the two-track Union Square Branch of the Green Line on the north side of the Fitchburg Line tracks. The station has a single island platform, 225 feet (69 m) long and 20 feet (6.1 m) wide, located about 250 feet (76 m) east of Prospect Street between the Green Line tracks. A canopy covers the full length of the platform.^[1]

The platform is 8 inches (200 mm) high for accessible boarding on current light rail vehicles (LRVs), and can be raised to 14 inches (360 mm) for future level boarding with Type 9 and Type 10 LRVs. It is also provisioned for future extension to 300-foot (91 m) length.^[3]^: 12.1-5 A starter booth is located at the east end of the platform, with an at-grade emergency exit walkway leading to Allen Street.^[1]^: 9

The station entrance plaza is located on the east side of the Prospect Street bridge, next to a small utility building. A walkway connects the plaza and platform, with fare vending machines located in a wider section of the walkway at its west end. Tail tracks are located on each side of the walkway.^[1] The tail tracks are designed not to preclude further extension to Porter station in the future.^[4] To the north of the entrance plaza is "Station Plaza", built by the developer of an adjacent building.The main entrance to the station is a walkway from Prospect Street to the north. An elevator and stairs connect to the Prospect Street bridge.^[5]

Public artwork at the station includes Passage by Matthew Trimble – a sculptural archway over the walkway to the platform – as well as murals on station sign panels.^[6] Bike racks with space for 34 bikes are located in the entrance plaza.^[1] A covered shelter will have racks for 86 bikes.^[1] Five MBTA bus routes – 85, 87, 91, 109, and CT2 – stop in Union Square near the station.^[7]

History

Railroad station

The Charlestown Branch Railroad was extended through Somerville in 1841, opening on January 5, 1842. It was absorbed into the Fitchburg Railroad in 1846.^[8] Prospect Street station – which was located off Medford Street (now Webster Avenue), slightly west of Prospect Street – was opened within several years to serve the Sand Pit Square area.^[9]^[10]^[11] Like Somerville station and other local stops, Prospect Street was primarily served by Lexington Branch trains in the mid-19th century.^[12] The nearby square became Union Square in the 1860s, but the station was not renamed Union Square until around 1875.^[13]

Prospect Street was placed on a bridge over the railroad by 1849, but Webster Street crossed the railroad at grade.^[9]^[14]^[15] Planning to eliminate the eleven remaining grade crossings in Somerville, five of which were on the Fitchburg Route mainline, began in 1900.^[16] In 1906, the city engineer proposed to raise 1.8 miles (2.9 km) of the line between Beacon Street and Somerville Avenue to eliminate the five level crossings, but that scheme was not adopted.^[17]

After the Somerville Avenue grade crossing was eliminated in 1908–09, work began in April 1911 to raise Webster Street above the tracks.^[18]^[19] Webster Street and several adjacent buildings were raised about 20 feet (6.1 m), while the tracks were slightly lowered. A special bridge on the east side of the road bridge was built for a 4-foot (1.2 m)-diameter water main that weighed 700 pounds per foot (1,000 kg/m). As part of the project, the 67-year-old station building was replaced by a larger building on the south side of the tracks.^[11] Work was completed in December 1911.^[20]

Horsecar and later electric streetcar service cut ridership at urban stations; by 1917, Union Square and Somerville stations were served by four to five daily Watertown Branch trains plus several off-peak mainline local trains.^[21] As passengers volumes dwindled, the station building was reused for manufacturing by 1924.^[22] By 1929, the only service to Union Square and Somerville was one outbound and two inbound Watertown Branch trains.^[23] Service to the two stations ended on July 9, 1938, along with the end of passenger service on the Watertown Branch.^[24]^[25]^[26] The station building was demolished sometime between 1936 and 1940.^[27]^[28]

Adding an MBTA Commuter Rail Fitchburg Line station at Union Square has been considered; by 2003, a stop was expected to open within five years.^[29] The 2004 state Program for Mass Transportation estimated such a station would attract 390 daily riders.^[24] A Union Square commuter rail station – either in addition to a Green Line station or in lieu of it – was listed as a possibility in 2012 as an interim air quality mitigation measure in response to delays in building the Green Line Extension. However, such a station would have been costly to build and could not have been completed by the 2015 deadline, and was therefore not supported by MassDOT.^[30]

Green Line Extension planning

Alignment

Map of a 1966 extension proposal – typical of 20th-century plans – that did not include service directly to Union Square

Rapid transit extension northwest from Lechmere was first proposed in 1922.^[31] Various 20th-century proposals called for rapid transit along the B&M Southern Division (now the Lowell Line) to West Medford or beyond; the nearest station to Union Square was to be about 0.4 miles (0.6 km) to the east.^[32]^[33] A 1980s corridor plan considered a direct extension to Union Square as a possible alternative.^[34]^: 308^[35] The 1991 agreement between the state and the Conservation Law Foundation specified a "Green Line Extension To Ball Square/Tufts University".^[36] The 2003 Program for Mass Transportation considered both Green Line and Blue Line extensions to West Medford, including alignments that would deviate from the Lowell Line right-of-way to directly serve Union Square.^[37]

An updated agreement, announced in May 2005, added a Union Square branch to the Green Line Extension.^[38] The Beyond Lechmere Northwest Corridor Study, a Major Investment Study/alternatives analysis, was published in 2005. The analysis studied a variety of light rail and bus rapid transit extensions, including a branch to Union Square.^[39] The Massachusetts Executive Office of Transportation and Public Works submitted an Expanded Environmental Notification Form (EENF) to the Massachusetts Executive Office of Environmental Affairs in October 2006. The EENF identified a Green Line extension with Medford and Union Square branches as the preferred alternative; the Union Square Branch was to follow the Fitchburg Line right-of-way.^[40] That December, the Secretary of Environmental Affairs issued a certificate that required analysis of a Somerville Avenue alignment for the Union Square Branch in the draft environmental impact report (DEIR) for the Green Line Extension (GLX).^[41]

By early 2008, three alignments were under consideration: a surface route along the Fitchburg Line, with a station east of Prospect Street; a surface route on Somerville Avenue, with a station west of Prospect Street; and a single-track loop combining both routes, with an underground station under Prospect Street south of Somerville Avenue.^[42] Union Square was among the planned station sites officially announced in May 2008.^[43]^[44]^[45] Several additional potential tunnel alternatives for an underground station at Union Square, with a short tunnel near Prospect Street or a longer tunnel under Somerville Avenue, were analyzed in 2008 and found not to be cost-effective.^[46]

Station design and contracts

The DEIR, released in October 2009, selected the Fitchburg Line routing on the basis of lower cost, higher reliability due to grade separation, and less property acquisition required than the other alternatives.^[47]^: 39 Preliminary plans in the DEIR called for a curved station platform with faregates at the west end. A two-story station building would connect to the Prospect Street bridge, with an additional connection directly to platform level from the north.^[47]^: 50^[48]

Updated plans shown in May 2011 moved the platform eastwards and added moved the kiss-and-ride area from the bridge to north of the headhouse.^[49] Plans presented in February 2012 enlarged the upper level of the headhouse to have it become the primary entrance. This would have allowed the lower entrance to be closed to accommodate the outbound track, were a proposed further extension to Porter to be built.^[50]^[51] A further update in June 2013 removed a mechanical penthouse, modified the lobby designs, and added bicycle racks near the upper entrance.^[52]^[53]

In August 2012, the City of Somerville, MassDOT, and the MBTA reached a memorandum of agreement about the station. Through the Somerville Redevelopment Authority, the City would acquire $8 million worth of land for the station and grant the MBTA a permanent easement, while retaining the rights for transit-oriented development overhead. In return, the MBTA and MassDOT would pay for cleanup costs at the site, begin construction by the spring of 2014, and open the station no later than "late 2016-early 2017".^[54]^[55]

In October 2012, the Somerville Board of Aldermen approved the Union Square Redevelopment Plan and authorized an $8 million bond, including $6 million to purchase the land and $2 million for cleanup and station planning.^[56] The North Prospect block – a mostly industrial area bordered by the railroad tracks, Prospect Street, Somerville Avenue, and the rear of residential properties on Allen Street – was acquired by the city via eminent domain for $4.5 million in June 2013. The properties were to be vacated by August. The city also received a $1 million EPA grant to clean up one of the properties.^[57]

In September 2013, MassDOT awarded a $393 million (equivalent to $507 million in 2023), 51-month contract for the construction of Phase 2/2A – Lechmere station, the Union Square Branch, and the first segment of the Medford Branch to Washington Street – with the stations to open in early 2017.^[58]^[59] Site cleanup began in September 2014.^[60] Design of the station was completed in late 2014.^[61]

Redesign

In August 2015, the MBTA disclosed that project costs had increased substantially, with Phase 2A rising from $387 million to $898 million.^[62] This triggered a wholesale re-evaluation of the GLX project. In December 2015, the MBTA ended its contracts with four firms. Construction work in progress continued, but no new contracts were awarded.^[63] At that time, cancellation of the project was considered possible, as were elimination of the Union Square Branch and other cost reduction measures.^[64]^[65]

In May 2016, the MassDOT and MBTA boards approved a modified project that had undergone value engineering to reduce its cost. Stations were simplified to resemble D branch surface stations rather than full rapid transit stations, with canopies, faregates, escalators, and some elevators removed. The new design for Union Square removed the direct access from the Prospect Street overpass, with entrance to be only from the plaza on the north side of the station.^[2]^[66] Several elements of the reduced-cost project design were criticized by community advocates and local politicians. E. Denise Simmons criticized the scaled-down station designs at Union Square and East Somerville for having long ramps rather than elevators, saying they were not sufficient for accessibility.^[67] In December 2016, the MBTA announced a new planned opening date of 2021 for the extension.^[68]

A design-build contract for the GLX was awarded in November 2017.^[69] The winning proposal included six additive options – elements removed during value engineering – including full-length canopies at all stations.^[70]^[71]^[72] Station design advanced from 0% in March 2018 to 24% that December and to 100% in October 2019.^[73]^[1] The 100% design relocated a utility building between the tracks so as to not preclude future extension.^[74]

Redevelopment

The coming of the station provided an opportunity for the city to redevelop Union Square and surrounding areas. A 2009 rezoning designated commercial corridors and transit-oriented development sites; a 2012 revitalization plan led to the selection of a master developer for the area. As with the GLX as a whole, the Union Square redevelopment has been criticized by local advocates for its potential to cause gentrification and community displacement.^[75]^[76] A 2014 study found that the areas around Union Square and East Somerville stations were expected to have the highest rent increases – up to 67% in some instances.^[75]

The USQ mixed-use development in Union Square, which is primarily replacing light industrial buildings, is intended as an anti-gentrification measure by increasing housing supply and subsidizing nearby households and businesses at risk of displacement.^[77] Still, by late 2014, both residential and commercial rents were rising more than typical in Union Square.^[78] In November 2019, the USQ developer, US2, agreed to fund an elevator connecting the station to the Prospect Street bridge.^[79] The first new buildings adjacent to the station broke ground in 2021 and are expected to be completed in 2022–23.^[80]

Construction and opening

A groundbreaking ceremony was held on June 25, 2018.^[81] With the design complete, work on the station foundation began in January 2020.^[82] The station platform was poured by early August 2020, with the canopy constructed that September.^[83]^[84] Tracks were installed at the station in October 2020.^[85] A signal hut at the station was in place by April 2021, with overhead lines added in May.^[86]^[87] In May 2021, the MBTA indicated that the elevator to the Prospect Street bridge might not be complete by the time the station opened, but that the normal accessible pedestrian route from Prospect Street would be available.^[88] Electrical work began in mid-2021; canopy lighting was functional and next-train countdown signs were in place by that November.^[89]^[90]

Original plans called for the E Branch to be extended to Union Square.^[91]^[92] In April 2021, the MBTA indicated that Union Square would instead be served by the D Branch.^[93] However, the Union Square Branch will be initially served by the E Branch rather than the D Branch from its opening until Medford Branch testing begins.^[94] By March 2021, the station was expected to open in October 2021.^[95] This was delayed in June 2021 to a December 2021 opening due to supply chain issues, and in October 2021 to a March 2022 opening due to issues with a substation.^[96]^[97] Train testing on the Union Square Branch began in December 2021.^[98] Pre-revenue service, where trains on the branch were operated on a revenue schedule but without passengers aboard, began on January 16, 2022.^[99]

The Union Square Branch opened on March 21, 2022.^[100] The elevator opened in late April 2022.^[101] From August 6 to 21, 2022, Union Square was served by C and D branch trains, as the E branch was closed for maintenance work.^[102] The Union Square Branch was closed from August 22 to September 18, 2022; the closure allowed for final integration of the Medford Branch, elimination of a speed restriction on the Lechmere Viaduct, and other work.^[103] After that closure, Union Square was served by a mixture of D and E branch trains until November 1, when E branch trains began operating pre-revenue service on the Medford Branch.^[102]

The original temporary ramp to Prospect Street was closed on April 20, 2023, for construction of the permanent path.^[104] Station Plaza and the permanent path opened on October 23, 2023.^[105] The Union Square Branch was closed from September 18 to October 10, 2023, during repairs to Squires Bridge, which carries the McGrath Highway over the tracks.^[106]^[107] The closure was originally planned for July 18 to August 28, but was delayed and shortened due to public criticism.^[108]^[109]^[110]

A further extension to Porter has been proposed by local officials. In February 2022, the Cambridge City Council signed a resolution requesting work around Union Square station not to interfere with such an extension.^[111]

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^ "MBTA Current Events". Rollsign. Vol. 58, no. 11–12. Boston Street Railway Association. November–December 2021. p. 3.
^ MacCormack, Terry (March 21, 2022). "Baker-Polito Administration Celebrates Opening of the Green Line Extension" (Press release). Government of Massachusetts. Archived from the original on December 4, 2022.
^ Connolly, Mike [@MikeConnollyMA] (April 27, 2022). "Pleased to report the @MBTA elevator for Union Square Station is now open! Thank you to @discoverUSQ for following through on this commitment to our community. Thanks as well to @square_council and all who came together to add this necessary element to the Green Line Extension" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
^ ^a ^b Belcher, Jonathan. "Changes to Transit Service in the MBTA district" (PDF). Boston Street Railway Association.
^ "Building A Better T: GLX Medford Branch to Open in Late November 2022; Shuttle Buses to Replace Green Line Service for Four Weeks between Government Center and Union Square beginning August 22" (Press release). Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority. August 5, 2022.
^ "Alerts: Subway". Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority. April 20, 2023. Archived from the original on April 20, 2023.
^ Congi, Sera (October 23, 2023). "Officials celebrate MBTA Green Line's Union Square plaza as questions remain about tracks". WCVB 5 ABC. Archived from the original on October 28, 2023.
^ "September Service Changes Will Allow Crews to Continue Improvement Work Across MBTA System" (Press release). Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority. August 28, 2023.
^ Cole, Katie (October 11, 2023). "MBTA Green Line service at Union Square reopens ahead of schedule with all slow zones lifted". WBUR. Retrieved October 11, 2023.
^ Kool, Daniel (June 29, 2023). "That new Green Line branch to Union Square? The T is closing it for 42 days this summer". Boston Globe. Archived from the original on June 30, 2023.
^ "July Service Changes Will Allow Crews to Continue Track Improvement Work Across MBTA System" (Press release). Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority. June 29, 2023.
^ Lisinski, Chris (July 5, 2023). "Project requiring Green Line Extension closure postponed to September". WBUR. Retrieved July 6, 2023.
^ Levy, Marc (March 1, 2022). "Lechmere, Union Square T stops open March 21 as council reminds of Porter Square connection". Cambridge Day. Retrieved March 2, 2022.

External links

Media related to Union Square station (Somerville) at Wikimedia Commons

MBTA – Union Square

[boards-1] ^ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e ^f ^g "Public meeting boards". Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority. November 19, 2019. pp. 7–10.

[may2016-2] Interim Project Management Team Report: Green Line Extension Project (PDF). MBTA Fiscal and Management Control Board and the MassDOT Board of Directors. May 9, 2016. pp. 5, 6, 47.

[techprov-3] "Execution Version: Volume 2: Technical Provisions" (PDF). MBTA Contract No. E22CN07: Green Line Extension Design Build Project. Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority. December 11, 2017.

[4] "Union Square Branch – GLX Roll Plan 4". Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority. November 2019.

[SRA-5] Union Square Station Associates (October 18, 2021). "Union Square Revitalization Project Update for the Somerville Redevelopment Authority" (PDF). Somerville Redevelopment Authority.

[6] "GLX Community Working Group Monthly Meeting #39". Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority. February 2, 2021. pp. 11, 12.

[busmap-7] "2025 System Map". Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority. December 15, 2024.

[150years-8] Humphrey, Thomas J.; Clark, Norton D. (1985). Boston's Commuter Rail: The First 150 Years. Boston Street Railway Association. pp. 87, 88. ISBN 9780685412947.

[1849bridge-9] "Railroad Accidents". Boston Evening Transcript. May 14, 1849. p. 2 – via Newspapers.com.

[10] Cutter, William Richard (April 1909). "Memoirs of the New England Historic Genealogical Society". Proceedings of the New England Historic Genealogical Society. New England Historic Genealogical Society. p. LXV – via Google Books.

[june1911-11] "Spectacular Engineering Feat Being Performed at Union Sq, Somerville". Boston Globe. June 6, 1911. p. 8 – via Newspapers.com.

[12] ABC Pathfinder Railway Guide. New England Railway Publishing Company. 1858. p. 16 – via Google Books.

[13] "Somerville". Boston Globe. November 30, 1875. p. 3 – via Newspapers.com.

[1852map-14] Draper, Martin Jr. (1852). "Map of Somerville, Mass". J.T. Powers & Co.

[1854map-15] H.F. Walling (1854). "Map of the City of Cambridge". George L. Dix.

[16] "To Abolish Grade Crossings". Boston Globe. December 27, 1903. p. 35 – via Newspapers.com.

[17] "To Abolish Somerville Grade Crossings". Boston Globe. January 28, 1906. p. 26 – via Newspapers.com.

[18] "Work on Overhead Bridge". Boston Globe. July 12, 1909. p. 2 – via Newspapers.com.

[19] "Somerville". Boston Globe. April 5, 1911. p. 6 – via Newspapers.com.

[20] "Great Task Will Be Completed Saturday". Boston Globe. December 6, 1911. p. 11 – via Newspapers.com.

[21] Local Train Service. Boston and Maine Railroad. September 30, 1917. pp. 80–81 – via Wikimedia Commons.

[22] ""To Let" Sign on Railroad Station at Prospect Hill". Boston Globe. July 19, 1924. p. 5 – via Newspapers.com.

[23] Time Tables. Boston and Maine Railroad. September 29, 1929. pp. 45–49 – via Wikimedia Commons.

[2004pmt-24] Central Transportation Planning Staff (January 2004). "Chapter 5C: Service Expansion" (PDF). 2004 Program for Mass Transportation. Boston Metropolitan Planning Organization. Archived from the original (PDF) on February 16, 2008. Retrieved December 5, 2012.

[secondsection-25] Humphrey, Thomas J.; Clark, Norton D. (1986). Boston's Commuter Rail: Second Section. Boston Street Railway Association. ISBN 9780938315025.

[26] "At the State House". Boston Globe. April 12, 1938. p. 3 – via Newspapers.com.

[27] "Somerville". Boston Globe. March 26, 1936. p. 15 – via Newspapers.com.

[28] "Somerville". Boston Globe. January 23, 1940. p. 8 – via Newspapers.com.

[29] Bluestone Planning Group (April 2003). "Union Square Master Plan" (PDF). City of Somerville. p. 14. Archived from the original (PDF) on August 26, 2014.

[interim-30] Central Transportation Planning Staff (January 23, 2012). "Green Line Extension SIP Mitigation Inventory" (PDF). Massachusetts Department of Transportation. Archived from the original (PDF) on October 30, 2014.

[31] "Three New Subways Planned". Boston Globe. June 25, 1922. p. 71 – via Newspapers.com.

[transplan-32] Central Transportation Planning Staff (November 15, 1993). "The Transportation Plan for the Boston Region - Volume 2". National Transportation Library. Archived from the original on May 5, 2001.

[1926report-33] Report on Improved Transportation Facilities in Boston. Division of Metropolitan Planning. December 1926. pp. 6, 7, 34, 35. hdl:2027/mdp.39015049422689.

[mccarthy-34] McCarthy, James D. "Boston's Light Rail Transit Prepares for the Next Hundred Years" (PDF). Special Report 221: Light Rail Transit: New System Successes at Affordable Prices. Transportation Research Board: 286–308. ISSN 0360-859X.

[35] "Beyond Lechmere Northwest Corridor Project Project History" (PDF). Somerville Transportation Equity Partnership. June 3, 2004.

[1991agreement-36] United States Environmental Protection Agency (October 4, 1994). "Approval and Promulgation of Air Quality Implementation Plans; Massachusetts—Amendment to Massachusetts' SIP (for Ozone and for Carbon Monoxide) for Transit Systems Improvements and High Occupancy Vehicle Facilities in the Metropolitan Boston Air Pollution Control District)". Federal Register. 59 FR 50498.

[37] "Chapter 5C: System Expansion". Program for Mass Transportation (PDF). Central Transportation Planning Staff. January 2004. pp. 5C-33, 5C-37.

[2005agreement-38] Daniel, Mac (May 19, 2005). "$770m transit plans announced". Boston Globe. pp. B1, B4 – via Newspapers.com.

[BL4-39] Vanasse Hangen Brustlin, Inc (August 2005). "Chapter 4: Identification and Evaluation of Alternatives – Tier 1" (PDF). Beyond Lechmere Northwest Corridor Study: Major Investment Study/Alternatives Analysis. Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority. Archived from the original (PDF) on July 5, 2016.

[40] TranSystems (October 2006). "Green Line Extension Expanded Environmental Notification Form" (PDF). Massachusetts Executive Office of Transportation and Public Works. pp. 4–6. Archived from the original (PDF) on July 5, 2016.

[41] Golledge, Robert W. Jr. (December 1, 2006). "Certificate of the Secretary of Environmental Affairs on the Expanded Environmental Notification Form" (PDF). Massachusetts Executive Office of Environmental Affairs. Archived from the original (PDF) on July 5, 2016.

[42] "Station Workshop – Summary Minutes" (PDF). Massachusetts Executive Office of Transportation and Public Works. February 19, 2008. Archived from the original (PDF) on July 5, 2016.

[2008stations-43] Ryan, Andrew (May 7, 2008). "Potential Green Line stops announced in Somerville, Medford". The Boston Globe. Archived from the original on May 10, 2008.

[2008map-44] Vanasse Hangen Brustlin, Inc (May 1, 2008). "Green Line Extension Project" (PDF). Massachusetts Executive Office of Transportation and Public Works. Archived from the original (PDF) on July 5, 2016.

[45] Vanasse Hangen Brustlin, Inc (May 2, 2008). "Green Line Extension Project: Summary of Station Evaluations/Site Selections" (PDF). Massachusetts Executive Office of Transportation and Public Works. Archived from the original (PDF) on July 5, 2016.

[46] Vanasse Hangen Brustlin, Inc. (November 2008). Consideration of Tunnel Alignment Alternatives (PDF). Massachusetts Executive Office of Transportation & Public Works. p. 30. Archived from the original (PDF) on February 28, 2017.

[DEIRch3-47] "Chapter 3: Alternatives" (PDF). Green Line Extension Project Draft Environmental Impact Report / Environmental Assessment and Section 4(f) Statement. Massachusetts Executive Office of Transportation and Public Works: Federal Transit Administration. October 2009. Archived from the original (PDF) on July 5, 2016.

[48] "Chapter 3: Alternatives" (PDF). Green Line Extension Project Draft Environmental Impact Report / Environmental Assessment and Section 4(f) Statement. Massachusetts Executive Office of Transportation and Public Works; Federal Transit Administration. October 2009. Archived from the original (PDF) on July 5, 2016. Figures 3.7-31, 3.7-32, 3.7-33, and 3.7-34.

[49] "Site Boards" (PDF). Massachusetts Department of Transportation. May 2011. Archived from the original (PDF) on July 5, 2016.

[50] "'Station Design Meeting': Washington Street & Union Square Stations" (PDF). Massachusetts Department of Transportation. February 8, 2012. Archived from the original (PDF) on July 5, 2016.

[51] "Washington Street and Union Square Stations" (PDF). Massachusetts Department of Transportation. February 13, 2012. Archived from the original (PDF) on July 5, 2016.

[52] "Union Square and Washington Street Station Design Meeting" (PDF). Massachusetts Department of Transportation. June 11, 2013. pp. 39–56. Archived from the original (PDF) on July 5, 2016.

[53] "Public Meeting – Summary Minutes" (PDF). Massachusetts Department of Transportation. June 11, 2013. p. 3. Archived from the original (PDF) on July 5, 2016.

[54] Byrne, Matt (August 9, 2012). "Union Square site for T station". Boston Globe. p. NO3 – via Newspapers.com.

[55] "City, MassDOT, MBTA Sign Pact on Green Line Station Development for Union Square" (Press release). City of Somerville. August 9, 2012.

[56] Orchard, Chris (October 12, 2012). "Aldermen Authorize $8 Million Bond for Union Square Green Line Site". Somerville Patch. Archived from the original on January 31, 2013.

[57] Orchard, Chris (June 10, 2013). "Authority Takes Union Square Parcels for Green Line Station". Somerville Patch. Retrieved January 18, 2022.

[58] Orchard, Chris (September 25, 2013). "$393 Million Approved to Bring Green Line to Union Square, Washington Street". Somerville Patch. Retrieved January 18, 2022.

[59] "State approves $393m for three new stations on Green Line". The Boston Globe. September 26, 2013. Archived from the original on September 27, 2013.

[60] "Union Sq Green Line Station Site Work Begins" (Press release). City of Somerville. September 25, 2014.

[61] "Washington Street and Union Square Stations" (PDF). Massachusetts Department of Transportation. November 6, 2014. p. 7. Archived from the original (PDF) on July 5, 2016.

[62] Metzger, Andy (August 24, 2015). "Ballooning Cost Throws Future Of Green Line Extension Into Question". WBUR.

[63] Conway, Abby Elizabeth (December 10, 2015). "MBTA Ending Several Contracts Associated With Green Line Extension Project". WBUR.

[64] Conway, Abby Elizabeth (December 9, 2015). "Axing Green Line Extension Still On The Table, Pollack Says". WBUR.

[65] Arup (December 9, 2015). "Cost Reduction Opportunities" (PDF). Massachusetts Bay Transportation Agency.

[66] Dungca, Nicole (May 10, 2016). "State OK's a cut-down Green Line extension". Boston Globe. pp. A1, A9 – via Newspapers.com.

[67] Levy, Marc (March 19, 2019). "Anger grows over design of green line stations that limit access and add distance for disabled". Cambridge Day. Archived from the original on March 25, 2019.

[delayed2021-68] Dungca, Nicole (December 7, 2016). "New Green Line stations are delayed until 2021". Boston Globe. Archived from the original on December 9, 2016.

[69] Vaccaro, Adam (November 20, 2017). "Green Line extension contract officially approved". Boston Globe. Archived from the original on January 24, 2018.

[selected-70] Jessen, Klark (November 17, 2017). "Green Line Extension Project Design-Build Team Firm Selected" (Press release). Massachusetts Department of Transportation. Archived from the original on January 28, 2022.

[nov20-71] "GLX Program Update" (PDF). Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority. November 20, 2017.

[72] Response to the Request for Proposal for the Green Line Extension Design Build Project (PDF). GLX Constructors. September 2017. (Volume 2)

[73] "GLX Project Open House". Massachusetts Department of Transportation. January 30, 2019. p. 14.

[74] "November 5, 2019 Community Working Group Meeting – Summary Minutes". Massachusetts Department of Transportation. November 5, 2019. p. 1.

[dimensions-75] "The Dimensions of Displacement: Baseline Data for Managing Neighborhood Change in Somerville's Green Line Corridor" (PDF). Metropolitan Area Planning Council. February 2014. Archived from the original (PDF) on July 6, 2014.

[76] Sacci, Joseph; et al. (May 2, 2014). "Chapter 4: Union Square Station & Revitalization Plan". Development and Its Discontents: Commercial Gentrification in Somerville's Union Square (PDF). Somerville Community Corporation. pp. 21–30. Archived from the original (PDF) on July 24, 2014.

[77] McMorrow, Paul (July 1, 2014). "Boston needs ideas — from Somerville". Boston Globe. Archived from the original on July 9, 2015.

[78] Kooker, Naomi (December 9, 2014). "Green Line plan brings economic tension to Union Square in Somerville". Boston Globe. Archived from the original on November 18, 2018.

[79] Levy, Marc (November 20, 2019). "Buses will be back for 11 months at Lechmere as green line extension T project rolls onward". Cambridge Day.

[80] "US2 and the city of Somerville break ground on $2 billion project - working with Gilbane Building Company and Cranshaw Construction". New England Real Estate Journal. July 30, 2021. Retrieved January 26, 2022.

[2018gb-81] "Officials Break Ground On Green Line Extension". WBUR. June 25, 2018. Retrieved November 24, 2021.

[82] "GLX Community Working Group Monthly Meeting: January 7, 2020". Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority. January 7, 2020. p. 11.

[aug2020pres-83] "GLX Community Working Group Monthly Meeting: August 4, 2020". Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority. August 4, 2020. p. 5.

[84] "GLX Community Working Group Monthly Meeting #34". Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority. September 1, 2020. p. 15.

[85] "GLX Community Working Group Monthly Meeting #36". Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority. November 3, 2020. p. 15.

[86] "GLX Community Working Group Monthly Meeting #41". Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority. April 6, 2021. p. 19.

[87] "GLX Community Working Group Monthly Meeting #43". Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority. June 1, 2021. p. 27.

[88] "Community Working Group (CWG) Meeting Minutes". Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority. May 4, 2021. p. 2.

[89] "GLX Community Working Group Monthly Meeting #46". Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority. September 7, 2021. p. 19.

[90] "GLX Community Working Group Monthly Meeting #48". Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority. November 2, 2021. p. 21.

[2011opsplan-91] "MBTA Light Rail Transit System OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE PLAN" (PDF). Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority. January 6, 2011. Archived from the original (PDF) on March 7, 2017.

[DEbranches-92] "Travel Forecasts: Systemwide Stats and SUMMIT Results" (PDF). Green Line Extension Project: FY 2012 New Starts Submittal. Massachusetts Department of Transportation. January 2012. Archived from the original (PDF) on March 7, 2017.

[2021branches-93] DeCosta-Klipa, Nik (April 9, 2021). "The MBTA is planning to open part of the Green Line Extension this October". Boston Globe. Retrieved April 9, 2021.

[94] "Green Line Extension (GLX)". Massachusetts Department of Transportation. Archived from the original on November 30, 2021.

[95] "Report from the General Manager" (PDF). Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority. March 29, 2021. p. 20.

[96] DeCosta-Klipa, Nik (October 21, 2021). "The opening of the first Green Line Extension branch has been delayed — again". Boston Globe. Retrieved February 10, 2021.

[97] Dalton, John (June 21, 2021). "Green Line Extension Update" (PDF). Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority. p. 19.

[98] "Test Trains Now Running on the Green Line Extension" (Press release). Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority. December 23, 2021.

[99] "MBTA Current Events". Rollsign. Vol. 58, no. 11–12. Boston Street Railway Association. November–December 2021. p. 3.

[mar21-100] MacCormack, Terry (March 21, 2022). "Baker-Polito Administration Celebrates Opening of the Green Line Extension" (Press release). Government of Massachusetts. Archived from the original on December 4, 2022.

[elevatoropen-101] Connolly, Mike [@MikeConnollyMA] (April 27, 2022). "Pleased to report the @MBTA elevator for Union Square Station is now open! Thank you to @discoverUSQ for following through on this commitment to our community. Thanks as well to @square_council and all who came together to add this necessary element to the Green Line Extension" (Tweet) – via Twitter.

[netransit-102] Belcher, Jonathan. "Changes to Transit Service in the MBTA district" (PDF). Boston Street Railway Association.

[nov22-103] "Building A Better T: GLX Medford Branch to Open in Late November 2022; Shuttle Buses to Replace Green Line Service for Four Weeks between Government Center and Union Square beginning August 22" (Press release). Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority. August 5, 2022.

[104] "Alerts: Subway". Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority. April 20, 2023. Archived from the original on April 20, 2023.

[105] Congi, Sera (October 23, 2023). "Officials celebrate MBTA Green Line's Union Square plaza as questions remain about tracks". WCVB 5 ABC. Archived from the original on October 28, 2023.

[106] "September Service Changes Will Allow Crews to Continue Improvement Work Across MBTA System" (Press release). Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority. August 28, 2023.

[oct2023-107] Cole, Katie (October 11, 2023). "MBTA Green Line service at Union Square reopens ahead of schedule with all slow zones lifted". WBUR. Retrieved October 11, 2023.

[108] Kool, Daniel (June 29, 2023). "That new Green Line branch to Union Square? The T is closing it for 42 days this summer". Boston Globe. Archived from the original on June 30, 2023.

[109] "July Service Changes Will Allow Crews to Continue Track Improvement Work Across MBTA System" (Press release). Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority. June 29, 2023.

[110] Lisinski, Chris (July 5, 2023). "Project requiring Green Line Extension closure postponed to September". WBUR. Retrieved July 6, 2023.

[111] Levy, Marc (March 1, 2022). "Lechmere, Union Square T stops open March 21 as council reminds of Porter Square connection". Cambridge Day. Retrieved March 2, 2022.

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@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-{{good article}}
 {{Short description|Light rail station in Somerville, Massachusetts, US}}
+{{good article}}
 {{Infobox station
  | name=Union Square
@@ Line 42: / Line 42: @@
 ==Station design==
-[[File:Union Square station plaza from Prospect Street (1), March 2022.JPG|thumb|left|The station in March 2021 with the utility building at right|alt=A light rail station in an urban area. A small cinderblock building is at right; a tall building is under construction at left.]]
+[[File:Union Square station plaza from Prospect Street (1), March 2022.JPG|thumb|left|The station in March 2022 with the utility building at right|alt=A light rail station in an urban area. A small cinderblock building is at right; a tall building is under construction at left.]]
 Union Square station is located on the east side of the Prospect Street bridge, about {{convert|900|feet}} south of the Union Square intersection. The [[Fitchburg Line]] runs roughly northwest–southeast through the station area, with the two-track Union Square Branch of the Green Line on the north side of the Fitchburg Line tracks. The station has a single [[island platform]], {{convert|225|feet}} long and {{convert|20|feet}} wide, located about {{convert|250|feet}} east of Prospect Street between the Green Line tracks. A canopy covers the full length of the platform.<ref name="boards">{{Cite web |date=November 19, 2019 |title=Public meeting boards |url=https://www.mass.gov/doc/glx-pubilc-meeting-station-boards-november-19-2019/download |publisher=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority |pages=7–10}}</ref>
-The platform is {{convert|8|in}} high for accessible boarding on current light rail vehicles (LRVs), and can be raised to {{convert|14|in}} for future level boarding with Type 9 and Type 10 LRVs. It is also provisioned for future extension to {{convert|300|ft|adj=on}} length.<ref name="techprov">{{Cite web |date=December 11, 2017 |title=Execution Version: Volume 2: Technical Provisions |url=https://cdn.mbta.com/sites/default/files/projects/glx/contract/glx-technical-provisions.pdf |website=MBTA Contract No. E22CN07: Green Line Extension Design Build Project |publisher=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority}}</ref>{{rp|12.1-5}} A [[Train dispatcher|starter]] booth is located at the east end of the platform, with an at-grade emergency exit walkway leading to Allen Street.<ref name=boards />{{rp|9}}
+The platform is {{convert|8|in}} high for accessible boarding on current light rail vehicles (LRVs), and can be raised to {{convert|14|in}} for future level boarding with Type 9 and Type 10 LRVs. It is also provisioned for future extension to {{convert|300|ft|adj=on}} length.<ref name="techprov">{{Cite web |date=December 11, 2017 |title=Execution Version: Volume 2: Technical Provisions |url=https://cdn.mbta.com/sites/default/files/projects/glx/contract/glx-technical-provisions.pdf |website=MBTA Contract No. E22CN07: Green Line Extension Design Build Project |publisher=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority}}</ref>{{rp|12.1{{hyphen}}5}} A [[Train dispatcher|starter]] booth is located at the east end of the platform, with an at-grade emergency exit walkway leading to Allen Street.<ref name=boards />{{rp|9}}
-The station entrance plaza is located on the east side of the Prospect Street bridge, next to a small utility building. A walkway connects the plaza and platform, with fare vending machines located in a wider section of the walkway at its west end. [[Tail track]]s are located on each side of the walkway.<ref name=boards /> The tail tracks are designed not to preclude further extension to [[Porter station]] in the future.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.mass.gov/doc/union-square-branch-glx-roll-plan-4/download |title=Union Square Branch – GLX Roll Plan 4 |date=November 2019 |publisher=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority}}</ref> Bike racks with space for 34 bikes are located in the entrance plaza.<ref name=boards /> Public artwork at the station includes ''Passage'' by Matthew Trimble – a sculptural archway over the walkway to the platform – as well as murals on station sign panels.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.mass.gov/doc/glx-virtual-cwg-meeting-presentation-february-2-2021/download |title=GLX Community Working Group Monthly Meeting #39 |date=February 2, 2021 |publisher=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority |pages=11, 12}}</ref>
+The station entrance plaza is located on the east side of the Prospect Street bridge, next to a small utility building. A walkway connects the plaza and platform, with fare vending machines located in a wider section of the walkway at its west end. [[Tail track]]s are located on each side of the walkway.<ref name=boards /> The tail tracks are designed not to preclude further extension to [[Porter station]] in the future.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.mass.gov/doc/union-square-branch-glx-roll-plan-4/download |title=Union Square Branch – GLX Roll Plan 4 |date=November 2019 |publisher=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority}}</ref> To the north of the entrance plaza is "Station Plaza", built by the developer of an adjacent building.The main entrance to the station is a walkway from Prospect Street to the north.  An elevator and stairs connect to the Prospect Street bridge.<ref name=SRA>{{cite web |url=https://www.somervillema.gov/sites/default/files/USQ%20SRA%20Update%2010.20.21.pdf |title=Union Square Revitalization Project Update for the Somerville Redevelopment Authority |date=October 18, 2021 |author=Union Square Station Associates |publisher=Somerville Redevelopment Authority}}</ref>
-The main entrance to the station will be a walkway from Prospect Street to the north. To the north of the entrance plaza will be "Station Plaza", built by the developer of an adjacent building. An elevator and stairs will connect to the Prospect Street bridge.<ref name=SRA /> A covered shelter will have racks for 86 bikes.<ref name=boards /> The elevator opened in April 2022, but Station Plaza will not be completed until 2023.<ref name=SRA>{{cite web |url=https://www.somervillema.gov/sites/default/files/USQ%20SRA%20Update%2010.20.21.pdf |title=Union Square Revitalization Project Update for the Somerville Redevelopment Authority |date=October 18, 2021 |author=Union Square Station Associates |publisher=Somerville Redevelopment Authority}}</ref><ref name=elevatoropen /> Five [[MBTA bus]] routes – {{MBTA bus links|Union Square|yes}} – stop in Union Square near the station.<ref name=busmap>{{cite web |url=https://mbta.com/bus-map |title=System Map |publisher=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority |access-date=August 8, 2023}}</ref>
+Public artwork at the station includes ''Passage'' by Matthew Trimble – a sculptural archway over the walkway to the platform – as well as murals on station sign panels.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.mass.gov/doc/glx-virtual-cwg-meeting-presentation-february-2-2021/download |title=GLX Community Working Group Monthly Meeting #39 |date=February 2, 2021 |publisher=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority |pages=11, 12}}</ref> Bike racks with space for 34 bikes are located in the entrance plaza.<ref name=boards /> A covered shelter will have racks for 86 bikes.<ref name=boards />  {{MBTA bus links/count|Union Square|upper}} [[MBTA bus]] routes – {{MBTA bus links|Union Square|yes}} – stop in Union Square near the station.{{MBTA bus links/mapcite}}
 {{clear left}}
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 Horsecar and later electric streetcar service cut ridership at urban stations; by 1917, Union Square and [[Somerville station (Fitchburg Railroad)|Somerville]] stations were served by four to five daily [[Watertown Branch Railroad|Watertown Branch]] trains plus several off-peak mainline local trains.<ref>{{cite book |title-link=:commons:File:Boston and Maine Railroad 1917 timetable.pdf |title=Local Train Service |date=September 30, 1917 |publisher=Boston and Maine Railroad |pages=80–81 |via=Wikimedia Commons}}</ref> As passengers volumes dwindled, the station building was reused for manufacturing by 1924.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/76135086/the-boston-globe/ |title="To Let" Sign on Railroad Station at Prospect Hill |newspaper=Boston Globe |date=July 19, 1924 |page=5 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> By 1929, the only service to Union Square and Somerville was one outbound and two inbound Watertown Branch trains.<ref>{{cite book |title-link=:commons:File:Boston and Maine Railroad 1929 timetable.pdf |title=Time Tables |date=September 29, 1929 |publisher=Boston and Maine Railroad |pages=45–49 |via=Wikimedia Commons}}</ref> Service to the two stations ended on July 9, 1938, along with the end of passenger service on the Watertown Branch.<ref name=2004pmt>{{cite web |url=http://www.bostonmpo.org/bostonmpo/pmt-old/PMT-3.pdf |title=Chapter 5C: Service Expansion |work=2004 Program for Mass Transportation |author=Central Transportation Planning Staff |publisher=Boston Metropolitan Planning Organization |date=January 2004 |access-date=December 5, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080216095011/http://www.bostonmpo.org/bostonmpo/pmt-old/PMT-3.pdf |archive-date=February 16, 2008}}</ref><ref name=secondsection>{{cite book |title=Boston's Commuter Rail: Second Section |last1=Humphrey |first1=Thomas J.|last2=Clark |first2=Norton D. |publisher=Boston Street Railway Association |year=1986 |isbn=9780938315025 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/36820986/the_boston_globe/ |title=At the State House |date=April 12, 1938 |page=3 |newspaper=Boston Globe |via=Newspapers.com}}{{open access}}</ref> The station building was demolished sometime between 1936 and 1940.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/76377051/the-boston-globe/ |title=Somerville |newspaper=Boston Globe |date=March 26, 1936 |page=15 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/76377060/the-boston-globe/ |title=Somerville |newspaper=Boston Globe |date=January 23, 1940 |page=8 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref>
-Adding an [[MBTA Commuter Rail]] [[Fitchburg Line]] station at Union Square has been considered; by 2003, a stop was expected to open within five years.<ref>{{cite web |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140826072421/http://www.somervillema.gov/sites/default/files/documents/union%20sq.%20final%20report.pdf |archive-date=August 26, 2014 |url=http://www.somervillema.gov/sites/default/files/documents/union%20sq.%20final%20report.pdf |page=14 |date=April 2003 |title=Union Square Master Plan |author=Bluestone Planning Group |publisher=City of Somerville}}</ref> The 2004 state Program for Mass Transportation estimated such a station would attract 390 daily riders.<ref name=2004pmt /> A Union Square commuter rail station – either in addition to a Green Line station or in lieu of it – was listed as a possibility in 2012 as an interim air quality mitigation measure in response to delays in building the Green Line Extension. However, such a station would have been costly to build and could not have been completed by the 2015 deadline, and was therefore not supported by MassDOT.<ref name="interim" >{{cite web |title=Green Line Extension SIP Mitigation Inventory |url=http://greenlineextension.eot.state.ma.us/documents/SIP_Inventory030112.pdf |author=Central Transportation Planning Staff |publisher=Massachusetts Department of Transportation |date=January 23, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141030232922/http://greenlineextension.eot.state.ma.us/documents/SIP_Inventory030112.pdf |archive-date=March 2, 2014}}</ref>
+Adding an [[MBTA Commuter Rail]] [[Fitchburg Line]] station at Union Square has been considered; by 2003, a stop was expected to open within five years.<ref>{{cite web |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140826072421/http://www.somervillema.gov/sites/default/files/documents/union%20sq.%20final%20report.pdf |archive-date=August 26, 2014 |url=http://www.somervillema.gov/sites/default/files/documents/union%20sq.%20final%20report.pdf |page=14 |date=April 2003 |title=Union Square Master Plan |author=Bluestone Planning Group |publisher=City of Somerville}}</ref> The 2004 state Program for Mass Transportation estimated such a station would attract 390 daily riders.<ref name=2004pmt /> A Union Square commuter rail station – either in addition to a Green Line station or in lieu of it – was listed as a possibility in 2012 as an interim air quality mitigation measure in response to delays in building the Green Line Extension. However, such a station would have been costly to build and could not have been completed by the 2015 deadline, and was therefore not supported by MassDOT.<ref name="interim" >{{cite web |title=Green Line Extension SIP Mitigation Inventory |url=http://greenlineextension.eot.state.ma.us/documents/SIP_Inventory030112.pdf |author=Central Transportation Planning Staff |publisher=Massachusetts Department of Transportation |date=January 23, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141030232922/http://greenlineextension.eot.state.ma.us/documents/SIP_Inventory030112.pdf |archive-date=October 30, 2014}}</ref>
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 ====Station design and contracts====
 [[File:Union Square station site.JPG|thumb|left|The proposed site (left) in 2011, prior to acquisition and clearing|alt=A railway line passing through industrial sites]]
-The DEIR, released in October 2009, selected the Fitchburg Line routing on the basis of lower cost, higher reliability due to grade separation, and less property acquisition required than the other alternatives.<ref name="DEIRch3">{{Cite book |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160705134146/http://greenlineextension.eot.state.ma.us/docs_draftEIR.html |title=Green Line Extension Project Draft Environmental Impact Report / Environmental Assessment and Section 4(f) Statement |date=October 2009 |publisher=Massachusetts Executive Office of Transportation and Public Works; Federal Transit Administration |chapter=Chapter 3: Alternatives |chapter-url=http://greenlineextension.eot.state.ma.us/documents/draftEIR/Vol1Text/10_DEIR_EA_V1_CH3_Alts.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160705144443/http://greenlineextension.eot.state.ma.us/documents/draftEIR/Vol1Text/10_DEIR_EA_V1_CH3_Alts.pdf |archive-date=July 5, 2016}} {{cbignore}}</ref>{{rp|39}} Preliminary plans in the DEIR called for a curved station platform with faregates at the west end. A two-story station building would connect to the Prospect Street bridge, with an additional connection directly to platform level from the north.<ref name="DEIRch3" />{{rp|50}}<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160705134146/http://greenlineextension.eot.state.ma.us/docs_draftEIR.html |title=Green Line Extension Project Draft Environmental Impact Report / Environmental Assessment and Section 4(f) Statement |date=October 2009 |publisher=Massachusetts Executive Office of Transportation and Public Works; Federal Transit Administration |chapter=Chapter 3: Alternatives |chapter-url=http://greenlineextension.eot.state.ma.us/documents/draftEIR/Vol1Text/10_DEIR_EA_V1_CH3_Alts.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160705144443/http://greenlineextension.eot.state.ma.us/documents/draftEIR/Vol1Text/10_DEIR_EA_V1_CH3_Alts.pdf |archive-date=July 5, 2016}} Figures [https://web.archive.org/web/20160705144839/http://greenlineextension.eot.state.ma.us/documents/draftEIR/Vol2Fig/056_DEIR_EA_V2_Fig3_7-31_UnionSqLayout.pdf 3.7-31], [https://web.archive.org/web/20160705144842/http://greenlineextension.eot.state.ma.us/documents/draftEIR/Vol2Fig/057_DEIR_EA_V2_Fig3_7-32_UnionSqPlan.pdf 3.7-32], [https://web.archive.org/web/20160705144845/http://greenlineextension.eot.state.ma.us/documents/draftEIR/Vol2Fig/058_DEIR_EA_V2_Fig3_7-33UnionSqCirculation.pdf 3.7-33], and [https://web.archive.org/web/20160705144851/http://greenlineextension.eot.state.ma.us/documents/draftEIR/Vol2Fig/059_DEIR_EA_V2_Fig3_7-34UnionSqElevation.pdf 3.7-34]. {{cbignore}}</ref>
+The DEIR, released in October 2009, selected the Fitchburg Line routing on the basis of lower cost, higher reliability due to grade separation, and less property acquisition required than the other alternatives.<ref name="DEIRch3">{{Cite book |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160705134146/http://greenlineextension.eot.state.ma.us/docs_draftEIR.html |title=Green Line Extension Project Draft Environmental Impact Report / Environmental Assessment and Section 4(f) Statement |date=October 2009 |publisher=Massachusetts Executive Office of Transportation and Public Works: Federal Transit Administration |chapter=Chapter 3: Alternatives |chapter-url=http://greenlineextension.eot.state.ma.us/documents/draftEIR/Vol1Text/10_DEIR_EA_V1_CH3_Alts.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160705144443/http://greenlineextension.eot.state.ma.us/documents/draftEIR/Vol1Text/10_DEIR_EA_V1_CH3_Alts.pdf |archive-date=July 5, 2016}} {{cbignore}}</ref>{{rp|39}} Preliminary plans in the DEIR called for a curved station platform with faregates at the west end. A two-story station building would connect to the Prospect Street bridge, with an additional connection directly to platform level from the north.<ref name="DEIRch3" />{{rp|50}}<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160705134146/http://greenlineextension.eot.state.ma.us/docs_draftEIR.html |title=Green Line Extension Project Draft Environmental Impact Report / Environmental Assessment and Section 4(f) Statement |date=October 2009 |publisher=Massachusetts Executive Office of Transportation and Public Works; Federal Transit Administration |chapter=Chapter 3: Alternatives |chapter-url=http://greenlineextension.eot.state.ma.us/documents/draftEIR/Vol1Text/10_DEIR_EA_V1_CH3_Alts.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160705144443/http://greenlineextension.eot.state.ma.us/documents/draftEIR/Vol1Text/10_DEIR_EA_V1_CH3_Alts.pdf |archive-date=July 5, 2016}}{{cbignore}} Figures [https://web.archive.org/web/20160705144839/http://greenlineextension.eot.state.ma.us/documents/draftEIR/Vol2Fig/056_DEIR_EA_V2_Fig3_7-31_UnionSqLayout.pdf 3.7-31], [https://web.archive.org/web/20160705144842/http://greenlineextension.eot.state.ma.us/documents/draftEIR/Vol2Fig/057_DEIR_EA_V2_Fig3_7-32_UnionSqPlan.pdf 3.7-32], [https://web.archive.org/web/20160705144845/http://greenlineextension.eot.state.ma.us/documents/draftEIR/Vol2Fig/058_DEIR_EA_V2_Fig3_7-33UnionSqCirculation.pdf 3.7-33], and [https://web.archive.org/web/20160705144851/http://greenlineextension.eot.state.ma.us/documents/draftEIR/Vol2Fig/059_DEIR_EA_V2_Fig3_7-34UnionSqElevation.pdf 3.7-34].</ref>
 Updated plans shown in May 2011 moved the platform eastwards and added moved the kiss-and-ride area from the bridge to north of the headhouse.<ref>{{cite web |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160705140023/http://greenlineextension.eot.state.ma.us/documents/PubMtgs/MeetGreet0511/SiteBoards.pdf |archive-date=July 5, 2016 |url=http://greenlineextension.eot.state.ma.us/documents/PubMtgs/MeetGreet0511/SiteBoards.pdf |title=Site Boards |date=May 2011 |publisher=Massachusetts Department of Transportation}}</ref> Plans presented in February 2012 enlarged the upper level of the headhouse to have it become the primary entrance. This would have allowed the lower entrance to be closed to accommodate the outbound track, were a proposed further extension to {{bts|Porter}} to be built.<ref>{{cite web |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160705135705/http://greenlineextension.eot.state.ma.us/documents/PubMtgs/WashingtonUnionSquare_2-8-12.pdf |archive-date=July 5, 2016 |url=http://greenlineextension.eot.state.ma.us/documents/PubMtgs/WashingtonUnionSquare_2-8-12.pdf |title='Station Design Meeting': Washington Street & Union Square Stations |date=February 8, 2012 |publisher=Massachusetts Department of Transportation}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Washington Street and Union Square Stations |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160705135702/http://greenlineextension.eot.state.ma.us/documents/PubMtgs/WashingtonUnionMtgMin020812.pdf |archive-date=July 5, 2016 |url=http://greenlineextension.eot.state.ma.us/documents/PubMtgs/WashingtonUnionMtgMin020812.pdf |date=February 13, 2012 |publisher=Massachusetts Department of Transportation}}</ref> A further update in June 2013 removed a mechanical penthouse, modified the lobby designs, and added bicycle racks near the upper entrance.<ref>{{cite web |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160705135609/http://greenlineextension.eot.state.ma.us/documents/PubMtgs/staDesign/union_washington061113.pdf |archive-date=July 5, 2016 |url=http://greenlineextension.eot.state.ma.us/documents/PubMtgs/staDesign/union_washington061113.pdf |title=Union Square and Washington Street Station Design Meeting |pages=39–56 |date=June 11, 2013 |publisher=Massachusetts Department of Transportation}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160705135626/http://greenlineextension.eot.state.ma.us/documents/PubMtgs/staDesign/Union_WashingtonMinutes061113.pdf |archive-date=July 5, 2016 |url=http://greenlineextension.eot.state.ma.us/documents/PubMtgs/staDesign/Union_WashingtonMinutes061113.pdf |title=Public Meeting – Summary Minutes |date=June 11, 2013 |page=3 |publisher=Massachusetts Department of Transportation}}</ref>
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 In August 2012, the City of Somerville, MassDOT, and the MBTA reached a memorandum of agreement about the station. Through the Somerville Redevelopment Authority, the City would acquire $8 million worth of land for the station and grant the MBTA a permanent easement, while retaining the rights for [[transit-oriented development]] overhead. In return, the MBTA and MassDOT would pay for cleanup costs at the site, begin construction by the spring of 2014, and open the station no later than "late 2016-early 2017".<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/87459487/the-boston-globe/ |title=Union Square site for T station |first=Matt |last=Byrne |newspaper=Boston Globe |date=August 9, 2012 |page=NO3 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite press release |url=https://www.somervillema.gov/news/city-massdot-mbta-sign-pact-green-line-station-development-union-square |title=City, MassDOT, MBTA Sign Pact on Green Line Station Development for Union Square |date=August 9, 2012 |publisher=City of Somerville}}</ref>
 In October 2012, the Somerville Board of Aldermen approved the Union Square Redevelopment Plan and authorized an $8 million bond, including $6 million to purchase the land and $2 million for cleanup and station planning.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://somerville.patch.com/articles/aldermen-authorize-8-million-bond-for-union-square-green-line-site |title=Aldermen Authorize $8 Million Bond for Union Square Green Line Site |newspaper=Somerville Patch |last=Orchard |first=Chris |date=October 12, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130131004543/http://somerville.patch.com/articles/aldermen-authorize-8-million-bond-for-union-square-green-line-site |archive-date=January 31, 2013 }}</ref> The North Prospect block – a mostly industrial area bordered by the railroad tracks, Prospect Street, Somerville Avenue, and the rear of residential properties on Allen Street – was acquired by the city via [[eminent domain]] for $4.5 million in June 2013. The properties were to be vacated by August. The city also received a $1 million [[United States Environmental Protection Agency|EPA]] grant to clean up one of the properties.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://patch.com/massachusetts/somerville/authority-takes-union-square-parcels-for-green-line-station |title=Authority Takes Union Square Parcels for Green Line Station |newspaper=Somerville Patch |date=June 10, 2013 |access-date=January 18, 2022 |first=Chris |last=Orchard}}</ref>
 In September 2013, MassDOT awarded a $393 million (equivalent to ${{inflation|US-GDP|393|2013}} million in {{inflation year|US-GDP}}), 51-month contract for the construction of Phase 2/2A – Lechmere station, the Union Square Branch, and the first segment of the Medford Branch to [[East Somerville station|Washington Street]] – with the stations to open in early 2017.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Orchard |first=Chris |date=September 25, 2013 |title=$393 Million Approved to Bring Green Line to Union Square, Washington Street |work=Somerville Patch |url=https://patch.com/massachusetts/somerville/393-million-approved-to-bring-green-line-to-union-square-washington-street |access-date=January 18, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=September 26, 2013 |title=State approves $393m for three new stations on Green Line |work=[[The Boston Globe]] |url=https://www.boston.com/yourtown/news/somerville/2013/09/state_approves_393m_for_three_new_stations_on_green_line.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130927021244/https://www.boston.com/yourtown/news/somerville/2013/09/state_approves_393m_for_three_new_stations_on_green_line.html |archive-date=September 27, 2013}}</ref>
 Site cleanup began in September 2014.<ref>{{cite press release |url=http://www.somervillema.gov/news/union-sq-green-line-site-work-begins |title=Union Sq Green Line Station Site Work Begins |publisher=City of Somerville |date=September 25, 2014}}</ref> Design of the station was completed in late 2014.<ref>{{cite web |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160705135016/http://greenlineextension.eot.state.ma.us/documents/PubMtgs/staDesign/Washington_Union_presentation110614.pdf |archive-date=July 5, 2016 |url=http://greenlineextension.eot.state.ma.us/documents/PubMtgs/staDesign/Washington_Union_presentation110614.pdf |title=Washington Street and Union Square Stations |page=7 |date=November 6, 2014 |publisher=Massachusetts Department of Transportation}}</ref>
 ====Redesign====
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 In August 2015, the MBTA disclosed that project costs had increased substantially, with Phase 2A rising from $387 million to $898 million.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.wbur.org/news/2015/08/24/ballooning-cost-green-line |title=Ballooning Cost Throws Future Of Green Line Extension Into Question |newspaper=WBUR |first=Andy |last=Metzger |date=August 24, 2015}}</ref> This triggered a [[Green Line Extension#Cost increase and redesign|wholesale re-evaluation of the GLX project]]. In December 2015, the MBTA ended its contracts with four firms. Construction work in progress continued, but no new contracts were awarded.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.wbur.org/news/2015/12/10/green-line-extension-contracts |title=MBTA Ending Several Contracts Associated With Green Line Extension Project |newspaper=WBUR |date=December 10, 2015 |first=Abby Elizabeth |last=Conway}}</ref> At that time, cancellation of the project was considered possible, as were elimination of the Union Square Branch and other cost reduction measures.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.wbur.org/news/2015/12/09/green-line-extension-what-to-do |title=Axing Green Line Extension Still On The Table, Pollack Says |newspaper=WBUR |date=December 9, 2015 |first=Abby Elizabeth |last=Conway}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://old.mbta.com/uploadedfiles/About_the_T/Board_Meetings/2015%2012%2009%20GLX%20VE%20MassDOT%20and%20FMC%20Boards%20ISSUE%20FINAL%20copy.pdf |title=Cost Reduction Opportunities |author=Arup |date=December 9, 2015 |publisher=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Agency}}</ref>
 In May 2016, the MassDOT and MBTA boards approved a modified project that had undergone [[value engineering]] to reduce its cost. Stations were simplified to resemble [[Green Line D branch|D branch]] surface stations rather than full rapid transit stations, with canopies, faregates, escalators, and some elevators removed. The new design for Union Square removed the direct access from the Prospect Street overpass, with entrance to be only from the plaza on the north side of the station.<ref name=may2016>{{cite book |title=Interim Project Management Team Report: Green Line Extension Project |url=https://old.mbta.com/uploadedfiles/About_the_T/Board_Meetings/GLXBOARDREPORTFINALv2.pdf |publisher=MBTA Fiscal and Management Control Board and the MassDOT Board of Directors |date=May 9, 2016 |pages=5, 6, 47}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=May 10, 2016 |title=State OK's a cut-down Green Line extension |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/89356496/the-boston-globe/ |first=Nicole |last=Dungca |newspaper=Boston Globe |pages=A1, [https://www.newspapers.com/clip/89356514/the-boston-globe/ A9] |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref> Several elements of the reduced-cost project design were criticized by community advocates and local politicians. [[E. Denise Simmons]] criticized the scaled-down station designs at Union Square and East Somerville for having long ramps rather than elevators, saying they were not sufficient for accessibility.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.cambridgeday.com/2019/03/19/anger-grows-over-design-of-green-line-stations-that-limit-access-and-add-distance-for-disabled/ |title=Anger grows over design of green line stations that limit access and add distance for disabled |first=Marc |last=Levy |date=March 19, 2019 |newspaper=Cambridge Day |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190325003510/https://www.cambridgeday.com/2019/03/19/anger-grows-over-design-of-green-line-stations-that-limit-access-and-add-distance-for-disabled/ |archive-date=March 25, 2019}}</ref> In December 2016, the MBTA announced a new planned opening date of 2021 for the extension.<ref name=delayed2021>{{cite news |last=Dungca |first=Nicole |date=December 7, 2016 |title=New Green Line stations are delayed until 2021 |url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2016/12/07/new-green-line-stations-opening-delayed/S9Gc1c6PtbiSz7Wj3FVKkM/story.html |newspaper=Boston Globe |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161209145509/https://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2016/12/07/new-green-line-stations-opening-delayed/S9Gc1c6PtbiSz7Wj3FVKkM/story.html |archive-date=December 9, 2016}}</ref>
 A [[design-build]] contract for the GLX was awarded in November 2017.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2017/11/20/green-line-extension-contract-officially-approved/LpPWSUubsnzWbFtgTceDhI/story.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180124110730/https://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2017/11/20/green-line-extension-contract-officially-approved/LpPWSUubsnzWbFtgTceDhI/story.html |archive-date=January 24, 2018 |title=Green Line extension contract officially approved |date=November 20, 2017 |newspaper=Boston Globe |first=Adam |last=Vaccaro}}</ref> The winning proposal included six additive options – elements removed during value engineering – including full-length canopies at all stations.<ref name="selected">{{Cite press release |title=Green Line Extension Project Design-Build Team Firm Selected |date=November 17, 2017 |publisher=Massachusetts Department of Transportation |url=http://blog.mass.gov/transportation/mbta/green-line-extension-project-design-build-team-firm-selected/ |last1=Jessen |first1=Klark |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220128223614/http://blog.mass.gov/transportation/mbta/green-line-extension-project-design-build-team-firm-selected/ |archive-date=January 28, 2022}}</ref><ref name=nov20>{{cite web |url=https://cdn.mbta.com/sites/default/files/fmcb-meeting-docs/2017/november/2017-11-20-fmcb-glx-update.pdf |title=GLX Program Update |date=November 20, 2017 |publisher=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |url=https://cdn.mbta.com/sites/default/files/projects/glx/contract/glx-technical-proposal-first-half.pdf |title=Response to the Request for Proposal for the Green Line Extension Design Build Project |publisher=GLX Constructors |date=September 2017}} ([https://cdn.mbta.com/sites/default/files/projects/glx/contract/glx-technical-proposal-second-half.pdf Volume 2])</ref> Station design advanced from 0% in March 2018 to 24% that December and to 100% in October 2019.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.mass.gov/doc/january-30-2019-glx-public-meeting-presentation/download |title=GLX Project Open House |page=14 |date=January 30, 2019 |publisher=Massachusetts Department of Transportation}}</ref><ref name=boards /> The 100% design relocated a utility building between the tracks so as to not preclude future extension.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.mass.gov/doc/glx-community-working-group-november-5-2019-meeting-minutes/download |title=November 5, 2019 Community Working Group Meeting – Summary Minutes |date=November 5, 2019 |page=1 |publisher=Massachusetts Department of Transportation}}</ref>
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 Original plans called for the [[Green Line E branch|E Branch]] to be extended to Union Square.<ref name=2011opsplan>{{cite web |url=http://greenlineextension.eot.state.ma.us/documents/FTA_NewStarts/NewStartsSubmittal_FY2012/Attachments/Attachment_10P_OMP_010611.pdf |title=MBTA Light Rail Transit System OPERATIONS AND MAINTENANCE PLAN |publisher=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority |date=January 6, 2011 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170307152841/http://greenlineextension.eot.state.ma.us/documents/FTA_NewStarts/NewStartsSubmittal_FY2012/Attachments/Attachment_10P_OMP_010611.pdf |archivedate=March 7, 2017}}</ref><ref name=DEbranches>{{cite web |url=http://greenlineextension.eot.state.ma.us/documents/FTA_NewStarts/NewStartsSubmittal_FY2012/Attachments/Attachment_3_Combined.pdf |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170307152239/http://greenlineextension.eot.state.ma.us/documents/FTA_NewStarts/NewStartsSubmittal_FY2012/Attachments/Attachment_3_Combined.pdf |archivedate=March 7, 2017 |work=Green Line Extension Project: FY 2012 New Starts Submittal |title=Travel Forecasts: Systemwide Stats and SUMMIT Results |publisher=Massachusetts Department of Transportation |date=January 2012}}</ref> In April 2021, the MBTA indicated that Union Square would instead be served by the [[Green Line D Branch|D Branch]].<ref name=2021branches>{{cite news |url=https://www.boston.com/news/local-news/2021/04/09/mbta-green-line-extension-union-square-october |title=The MBTA is planning to open part of the Green Line Extension this October |newspaper=Boston Globe |date=April 9, 2021 |first=Nik |last=DeCosta-Klipa |accessdate=April 9, 2021}}</ref> However, the Union Square Branch will be initially served by the E Branch rather than the D Branch from its opening until Medford Branch testing begins.<ref>{{cite web |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211130001042/https://www.mbta.com/projects/green-line-extension-glx |archive-date=November 30, 2021 |url=https://www.mbta.com/projects/green-line-extension-glx |title=Green Line Extension (GLX) |publisher=Massachusetts Department of Transportation}}</ref> By March 2021, the station was expected to open in October 2021.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://cdn.mbta.com/sites/default/files/2021-03/2021-03-29-fmcb-9-report-from-general-manager.pdf |title=Report from the General Manager |date=March 29, 2021 |publisher=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority |page=20}}</ref> This was delayed in June 2021 to a December 2021 opening due to supply chain issues, and in October 2021 to a March 2022 opening due to issues with a substation.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.boston.com/news/local-news/2021/10/21/green-line-extension-union-square-branch-delay-march/ |title=The opening of the first Green Line Extension branch has been delayed — again |newspaper=Boston Globe |date=October 21, 2021 |first=Nik |last=DeCosta-Klipa |access-date=February 10, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://cdn.mbta.com/sites/default/files/2021-06/2021-06-21-fmcb-14-green-line-extension-update.pdf |page=19 |title=Green Line Extension Update |first=John |last=Dalton |date=June 21, 2021 |publisher=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority}}</ref> Train testing on the Union Square Branch began in December 2021.<ref>{{cite press release |url=https://www.mbta.com/projects/green-line-extension-glx/update/test-trains-now-running-the-green-line-extension |title=Test Trains Now Running on the Green Line Extension |date=December 23, 2021 |publisher=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority}}</ref> Pre-revenue service, where trains on the branch were operated on a revenue schedule but without passengers aboard, began on January 16, 2022.<ref>{{cite magazine |title=MBTA Current Events |page=3 |magazine=Rollsign |date=November–December 2021 |volume=58 |issue=11–12 |publisher=Boston Street Railway Association}}</ref>
 The Union Square Branch opened on March 21, 2022.<ref name="mar21">{{cite press release |last1=MacCormack |first1=Terry |title=Baker-Polito Administration Celebrates Opening of the Green Line Extension |url=https://www.mass.gov/news/baker-polito-administration-celebrates-opening-of-the-green-line-extension |publisher=[[Government of Massachusetts]] |date=March 21, 2022 |archive-date=December 4, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221204085822/https://www.mass.gov/news/baker-polito-administration-celebrates-opening-of-the-green-line-extension |url-status=dead}}</ref> The elevator opened in late April 2022.<ref name=elevatoropen>{{cite tweet |title=Pleased to report the @MBTA elevator for Union Square Station is now open! Thank you to @discoverUSQ for following through on this commitment to our community. Thanks as well to @square_council and all who came together to add this necessary element to the Green Line Extension. |number=1519341683967766529 |first=Mike |last=Connolly |author-link=Mike Connolly (Massachusetts politician) |user=MikeConnollyMA}}</ref> From August 6 to 21, 2022, Union Square was served by C and D branch trains, as the E branch was closed for maintenance work.<ref name=netransit>{{NETransit}}</ref> The Union Square Branch was closed from August 22 to September 18, 2022; the closure allowed for final integration of the Medford Branch, elimination of a speed restriction on the Lechmere Viaduct, and other work.<ref name=nov22>{{cite press release |url=https://www.mbta.com/news/2022-08-05/building-better-t-glx-medford-branch-open-late-november-2022-shuttle-buses-replace |title=Building A Better T: GLX Medford Branch to Open in Late November 2022; Shuttle Buses to Replace Green Line Service for Four Weeks between Government Center and Union Square beginning August 22 |date=August 5, 2022 |publisher=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority}}</ref> After that closure, Union Square was served by a mixture of D and E branch trains until November 1, when E branch trains began operating pre-revenue service on the Medford Branch.<ref name=netransit />
-The original temporary ramp to Prospect Street was closed on April 20, 2023, for construction of the permanent path.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.mbta.com/alerts/subway |title=Alerts: Subway |date=April 20, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230420224304/https://www.mbta.com/alerts/subway |archive-date=April 20, 2023 |publisher=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority}}</ref> In June 2023, the MBTA indicated the Union Square Branch would be closed from July 18 to August 28, 2023, due to urgent repairs to Squires Bridge, which carries the [[McGrath Highway]] over the tracks.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/2023/06/29/metro/that-new-green-line-branch-union-square-t-is-closing-it-42-days-this-summer/ |title=That new Green Line branch to Union Square? The T is closing it for 42 days this summer. |first=Daniel |last=Kool |newspaper=Boston Globe |date=June 29, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230630062950/https://www.bostonglobe.com/2023/06/29/metro/that-new-green-line-branch-union-square-t-is-closing-it-42-days-this-summer/ |archive-date=June 30, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite press release |url=https://www.mbta.com/news/2023-06-29/july-service-changes-will-allow-crews-continue-track-improvement-work-across-mbta |title=July Service Changes Will Allow Crews to Continue Track Improvement Work Across MBTA System |date=June 29, 2023 |publisher=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority}}</ref> A week later, the closure was delayed to September 2023.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.wbur.org/news/2023/07/05/somerville-bridge-mbta-sumner-tunnel-delay |title=Project requiring Green Line Extension closure postponed to September |newspaper=WBUR |date=July 5, 2023 |first=Chris |last=Lisinski |access-date=July 6, 2023}}</ref>
+The original temporary ramp to Prospect Street was closed on April 20, 2023, for construction of the permanent path.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.mbta.com/alerts/subway |title=Alerts: Subway |date=April 20, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230420224304/https://www.mbta.com/alerts/subway |archive-date=April 20, 2023 |publisher=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority}}</ref> Station Plaza and the permanent path opened on October 23, 2023.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.wcvb.com/article/union-square-somerville-massachusetts-celebrate-mbta-green-line-plaza/45619043 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231028012729/https://www.wcvb.com/article/union-square-somerville-massachusetts-celebrate-mbta-green-line-plaza/45619043 |archive-date=October 28, 2023 |title=Officials celebrate MBTA Green Line's Union Square plaza as questions remain about tracks |newspaper=WCVB 5 ABC |date=October 23, 2023 |first=Sera |last=Congi}}</ref> The Union Square Branch was closed from September 18 to October 10, 2023, during repairs to Squires Bridge, which carries the [[McGrath Highway]] over the tracks.<ref>{{cite press release |url=https://www.mbta.com/news/2023-08-28/september-service-changes-will-allow-crews-continue-improvement-work-across-mbta |title=September Service Changes Will Allow Crews to Continue Improvement Work Across MBTA System |date=August 28, 2023 |publisher=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority}}</ref><ref name=oct2023>{{cite news |url=https://www.wbur.org/news/2023/10/11/boston-somerville-glx-union-square-slow-zones |title=MBTA Green Line service at Union Square reopens ahead of schedule with all slow zones lifted |newspaper=WBUR |date=October 11, 2023 |first=Katie |last=Cole |access-date=October 11, 2023}}</ref> The closure was originally planned for July 18 to August 28, but was delayed and shortened due to public criticism.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/2023/06/29/metro/that-new-green-line-branch-union-square-t-is-closing-it-42-days-this-summer/ |title=That new Green Line branch to Union Square? The T is closing it for 42 days this summer. |first=Daniel |last=Kool |newspaper=Boston Globe |date=June 29, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230630062950/https://www.bostonglobe.com/2023/06/29/metro/that-new-green-line-branch-union-square-t-is-closing-it-42-days-this-summer/ |archive-date=June 30, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite press release |url=https://www.mbta.com/news/2023-06-29/july-service-changes-will-allow-crews-continue-track-improvement-work-across-mbta |title=July Service Changes Will Allow Crews to Continue Track Improvement Work Across MBTA System |date=June 29, 2023 |publisher=Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.wbur.org/news/2023/07/05/somerville-bridge-mbta-sumner-tunnel-delay |title=Project requiring Green Line Extension closure postponed to September |newspaper=WBUR |date=July 5, 2023 |first=Chris |last=Lisinski |access-date=July 6, 2023}}</ref>
 A further extension to Porter has been proposed by local officials. In February 2022, the Cambridge City Council signed a resolution requesting work around Union Square station not to interfere with such an extension.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.cambridgeday.com/2022/03/01/lechmere-union-square-t-stops-open-march-21-as-council-reminds-of-porter-square-connection/ |title=Lechmere, Union Square T stops open March 21 as council reminds of Porter Square connection |first=Marc |last=Levy |date=March 1, 2022 |newspaper=Cambridge Day |access-date=March 2, 2022}}</ref>
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 ==External links==
-{{commonscat inline}}
+{{commons category-inline}}
 *[https://www.mbta.com/stops/place-unsqu MBTA – Union Square]