CLF staff celebrate today's Green Line Extension opening. Photo: Adilson Gonzalez Morales
December 12, 2022 (BOSTON, MA) – The MBTA officially opened the second branch of the Green Line extension to Medford today. An agreement between Conservation Law Foundation (CLF) and state officials in the early 1990s led to the promise of the extension to mitigate emissions from the Big Dig highway expansions. CLF released the following statement in response to today’s news.
“After waiting 30 years, this is a historic day for communities that depend on the MBTA,” said CLF President Brad Campbell. “The long-delayed Green Line extension will finally unlock reliable rapid transit for thousands of people in Medford and Somerville. CLF will be continuing to push for the expansion of the Medford branch to Route 16 to bring access to even more residents in the coming years.”
An agreement forged in 1990 between CLF and state officials resulted in a host of promised transportation improvements to offset increased emissions from the Big Dig. Besides the Green Line extension to Somerville and Medford, CLF pushed for expanded high occupancy vehicle lanes, significantly expanded Commuter Rail service, a connection between the Red and Blue subway lines, and the creation of the Silver Line.
The Union Square branch of the Green Line extension opened earlier this year.
CLF experts are available for further comment.
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