History
The Lechmere viaduct opened in June 1912, allowing streetcars from Somerville, Cambridge, and Charlestown direct access to the Tremont Street Subway, and the prepayment terminal at Lechmere opened in July 1930. However, there was no station located on the viaduct itself until Science Park station opened on August 20, 1955, with the station's name likely inspired by the opening of the Museum of Science nearby in 1951.
On January 21, 2009, station signage was changed to read "Science Park/West End", although the new name will not be on any MBTA maps or publications.
On April 30, 2011, Science Park and Lechmere stations were closed for a complete renovation of Science Park station. The elevated platforms (dating to 1955) were rebuilt, and elevators were added to make the station handicapped accessible. The platform level was raised slightly to allow level boarding on low-floor Type 8 trams, while ramps were added to allow wheelchair boarding on older high-floor Type7 trams. By closing the station during construction, the renovations were completed 6 months ahead of the original schedule. While both stations were closed, the MBTA operated a free shuttle bus service connecting them to North Station. Science Park station was reopened and regular service between Lechmere and North Station resumed on November 5, 2011.
Presently, the station is served solely by the Green Line's "E" Branch. However, when the Green Line Extension is completed around 2019, the "D" Branch will be extended to College Avenue and begin serving Science Park in addition to the "E" Branch, which will be extended to Union Square. Additionally, one or more of the "B", "C", or "D" branches may be extended to Lechmere as a temporary air quality improvement measure due to delays in the Green Line Extension.
Read more about this topic: Science Park (MBTA Station)
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