MBTA kicks off construction on Salem commuter-rail station

Yesterday, Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA), state and city of Salem officials held a ground-breaking ceremony for a new, $44.5 million commuter-rail station.

The project will include a new, five-level parking facility that will hold up to 700 vehicles, and make available future transit-oriented development opportunities on nearby MBTA and city sites, MBTA officials said in a press release. The parking structure is scheduled to open by Oct. 1, 2014.

The station is designed to support higher-frequency commuter-rail service, MBTA officials said. Currently, the Salem station is the second busiest on the commuter-rail system, averaging 2,400 boardings daily.

"As the busiest commuter-rail station on this line, Salem has long been in need of an appropriate, multi-modal transit hub, to anchor our downtown, accommodate commuters and serve as a suitable first impression to our vibrant city for visitors," said Salem Mayor Kimberley Driscoll.

In December 2012, the Massachusetts Department of Transportation's board approved a station construction contract with Consigli Construction Inc.