MBTA to add accessible mini‑high platforms at Wellesley Square after $500,000 federal grant

WELLESLEY, Mass. — Federal, state and local officials joined local advocates on Friday to announce accessibility upgrades at Wellesley Square commuter rail station that the MBTA says will allow level boarding for riders who use wheelchairs and other mobility devices.

Congresswoman Catherine Clark, who helped secure the federal funding for the work, said the project is part of a broader effort to honor the Americans with Disabilities Act on its 34th anniversary. "This is what public policy looks like when it's driven by values, when it prioritizes people," Clark said, thanking advocates and officials for their roles in bringing the project to fruition.

The MBTA's general manager, Phil Ng, said the agency will install two freestanding mini‑high platforms as an interim accessibility solution and detailed additional upgrades the agency will add at the stop. "We're adding two accessible freestanding mini high platforms," Ng said. "They provide level boarding with train cars and they're about 45 to 60 feet in length. Here at this station, it's 52." He said the work will include ramps, canopies, improved wayfinding, emergency call boxes and variable‑message screens, and that construction is scheduled to be completed in January.

Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll described the announcement as an example of federal‑state‑local partnership and said the administration has recovered federal dollars for projects across the Commonwealth. MassDOT Under Secretary Hayes Morrison and town officials, including Megan Jop, director of government services for Wellesley, also praised the collaboration and said the upgrades align with local goals for transportation, housing and economic access.

Local advocates who have campaigned for years welcomed the announcement. Will Fahey, introduced as a member of the advocacy community, described past difficulties boarding at the station and said the changes will make it possible for him to commute independently. "It would give me a very good independence, to be able to go on the train to go to work every day," he said. Daniel O'Hanlon recounted a nine‑year gap since he last boarded at the station and thanked those who helped move the project forward. His mother, Lorraine O'Hanlon, said the changes will "transform" the lives of disabled families and individuals.

Officials attributed the work in part to a $500,000 federal grant secured by Clark; Phil Ng said the MBTA intends to stretch those dollars through a combination of design and interim construction to deliver accessibility sooner. Ng called the mini‑high platforms an "interim solution, but a viable solution" to provide safe, accessible service quickly and cost‑effectively. The MBTA said the station work is underway.

The announcement included acknowledgments of MBTA accessibility staff — including the Department of Systemwide Accessibility — as well as town leaders and grassroots advocates who have pushed for modifications. Organizers concluded remarks with a ceremonial photo opportunity and a check presentation.

Next steps: MBTA indicated construction is progressing and targeted a January completion for the mini‑high platforms; officials did not specify the year beyond the announced schedule. Funding sources beyond the $500,000 federal grant were described generally as federal and state dollars recovered by the administration; no formal vote or ordinance was reported at the event.

Sources: Remarks and quotes are drawn from speakers at the Nov. 5 event in Wellesley (Congresswoman Catherine Clark; Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll; MBTA General Manager Phil Ng; MassDOT Under Secretary Hayes Morrison; Megan Jop; advocates Will Fahey, Daniel O'Hanlon and Lorraine O'Hanlon).