WESTBOROUGH – Imagine stepping off the commuter rail in Bellingham and wanting to travel to somewhere in Southborough. The current options are limited — pick up a bus through the MetroWest Regional Transit Authority and bounce around a few routes; get a ride with a friend or relative; or hire an Uber or Lyft.
A proposal from the MetroWest Regional Transit Authority (MWRTA) could provide an option that’s quicker and potentially less expensive. Administrator Jim Nee presented a proposal to the 495/MetroWest Partnership Transportation Committee on Thursday, Nov. 7.
According to Nee, the current commuter rail system runs east-west, with few public transportation options for north-south travel.
The proposal would help connect communities along Route 495 corridor by connecting the regional transit authorities.
The MWRTA is working on what Nee called “a piece of the concept” — Route 11, between the South Acton and Franklin commuter rail stations. The route connects with the commuter rail stations in Fitchburg, Framingham/Worcester and Franklin.
The connections would be made by bus, on what’s known as a “single-seat” program. That means once on board, the passenger would not need to transfer to another bus.
Local communities covered under the proposed route would include Marlborough, Hudson and Southborough. Although it’s called the 495 Connector, the route would be mainly along Route 85.
The MWRTA applied for a grant through the Massachusetts Department of Transportation, which is under review.
Should the entire proposal be approved, it would “be quite large and expensive, but beneficial” to commuters, said Nee.
495/Turnpike update
During the same meeting, the Transportation Committee provided updates on the I-495/I-90 interchange project.
Work on the Fruit Street bridge continues. Traffic, which is restricted to one lane with a traffic light, has been shifted to the newly constructed portion of the bridge. The remaining part of the old bridge will be torn down and reconstructed. Officials said it will be another year before the bridge is completed.
Also, the first of the new ramps is scheduled to open by the middle of this month. Ramp ES connects the eastbound lane of the turnpike to Route 495 southbound.
The project, which is scheduled to be completed in 2027, is designed to help reduce travel times and traffic congestion within the interchange.
To stay updated on the project, visit https://www.mass.gov/i-495i-90-interchange-improvements
