MBTA awards major bridge, track and signal work to Skanska

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) recently contracted global construction and development firm Skanska USA Civil to manage the $1.06 billion North Station Draw One bridge replacement and associated track and signal upgrades in Boston, Cambridge and Somerville, Massachusetts.  

Engineering, planning and design firm VHB is Skanska’s design partner for the design-build contract. 

The project calls for replacing the 1930-era Draw One bascule bridges with new vertical lift spans to significantly modernize rail operations across the Charles River. Work also involves extensive upgrades to approach trestles, the construction of a new Tower A control facility and the addition of a new Platform F at North Station.  

“These improvements are designed to streamline operations, enhance system flexibility and reliability, and support long-term ridership growth across MBTA’s north-side commuter-rail network,” Skanska officials said in a press release. 

In addition, Skanska and VHB will manage comprehensive track, signal and positive train control upgrades to improve the MBTA’s safety, resiliency and operational efficiency. The authority’s corridor will expand from four to six tracks across the river to reduce congestion and improve service reliability. 

Work is scheduled to start this month, with completion anticipated in fall 2032.