Officials break ground at New Balance-funded MBTA rail station

Plans to construct a new privately funded commuter-rail station in Brighton, Mass., are moving forward. Massachusetts Gov. Charles Baker on Tuesday gathered with other state and city officials to break ground on the $20 million station, which footwear manufacturer New Balance will pay for.

The station is located along the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority's (MBTA) existing Worcester-Framingham commuter line, and will be near New Balance's new world headquarters. The project is slated for completion in fall 2016, company officials said in a statement.

The station is part of a $500 million, 15-acre development planned by New Balance's real estate company NB Development Corp.

“The commitment of New Balance and the city of Boston to expand development and transportation opportunities is vital to bringing new economic activity and jobs to Greater Boston,” Baker said in a statement.

MBTA trains will serve the stations eight times a day throughout the week, with four stops scheduled in the morning and the remainder in the evening. Additional stops may be added as demand increases, New Balance officials said.

The station also allows for light-rail service in the future.

The company's nearby developments will include retail, restaurant, hotel and office space, in addition to an ice hockey arena, which will be used as a practice and training complex for the Boston Bruins, New Balance officials said.