Ground Breaking: South Acton Commuter Rail Station (Video)

State and local officials gathered Thursday for a ground-breaking ceremony at the site of the planned new South Acton commuter rail station along the Fitchburg line, at 15 Maple St. 

Lt. Gov. Tim Murray, MBTA General Manager Beverly Scott, Transportation Secretery Richard Davey, State Sen. Jamie Eldridge, State Rep. Jen Benson plus local officials were among those in attendance. 

"We break ground not just on a new commuter rail station, which benefits Acton and the surrounding community," Murray said. "We know that when we make these investments they benefit and rejuvinate the entire Fitchburg commuter rail line."

Scott noted partnerships and the best interests of the public were kept in mind.

"This is the first time to honestly be able to work as one where there’s an absolute commitment to do it smart, pull it together, and do it all with strategic thinking and implementation," she said.

The station upgrades not only the tracks, by adding a second main line track on the south, but includes improvements like train-length platforms, and an enclosed walkway over the tracks. 

"...to make sure the vision of the station fit in with the vision of the community," said Eldridge.

Benson noted teamwork made the $150 million project, through state and federal funding, a reality.

"It was a process that really showed the best collaboration between the local government and the state government, with funding coming from every level," she said.