MBTA Commuter Rail Garage in Salem

The Salem News reported that a parking garage at the MBTA station near downtown Salem will soon become a reality.  The parking garage will be 6 stories and accommodate between 750-900 parking spaces.  Governor Deval Patrick announced that the garage will be built from a combination of state, federal and local funds, and is estimated to cost between $40-45 million.

Salem Mayor Kim Driscoll called the planned garage "phenomenal news” and described the  commuter rail parking garage as the "piece de resistance" on Bridge Street, which will also feature a redevelopment of the former jailhouse, the planned Senior Center, and the state's slated upgrades to Bridge Street, blocks from the new Essex County Courthouse complex.

As part of the MBTA's plans, the train station would include a lobby area with room for a newsstand and small coffee shop, a new train platform, improved handicapped access, and new sidewalks with better access surrounding the site.  It is estimated to be completed by 2011.

Read the entire Salem News article.