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MBTA says Winchester Center station reopening delayed; partial access now set for Sept. 30
Summary
MBTA project staff told the Select Board that unanticipated rail‑system schedule constraints pushed Winchester Center’s partial reopening from July to Sept. 30 and full station completion to December, citing loss of single‑track access and federally mandated ATC/PTC testing as key causes.
MBTA officials updated the Winchester Select Board on June 17 that reconstruction of Winchester Center station has been delayed: staff now expect a partial reopening of the south half of the station by Sept. 30, with full station substantial completion scheduled for December and finishing work (landscaping and punchlist items) into 2025.
Nathan Race and MBTA colleagues traced the delay to an early‑March loss of single‑track access at the site, which forced construction into more limited "foul time" windows when both tracks are live and crews must clear for passing trains. MBTA staff also cited simultaneous, system‑wide priorities — including federally mandated ATC/PTC testing, fiber‑optic resiliency work and other maintenance projects — that constrained resources and access.
"Given these schedules, Winchester's station is now scheduled to partially reopen by September 30," Nathan Race said, describing a phased reopening that will restore one elevator per platform and return some parking at the Waterfield and Averell lots. "Substantial completion and full station opening are scheduled for December of this year."
MBTA staff told the board they added crews, weekend shifts and extended hours to make up for lost access and have rescheduled conflicting projects where possible. The agency also said it will expand communications with town staff, moving from week‑of notices to two‑week advisories and a weekly look‑ahead for the town manager, and will establish a regular coordination call to manage construction impacts.
Select Board members expressed frustration about the late timing of the public schedule change and asked for clearer, more frequent updates so residents and businesses can plan. MBTA staff acknowledged the communication could have been timelier but said they delayed outreach until they could reschedule access and provide a firm date.
Provenance: MBTA presentation and board Q&A; phased reopening timeline and communication commitments recorded in meeting discussion.
