June 18, 2004

MBTA news: Getting to and from the hospital safely

Because of the heavy traffic around the Charles Circle area, MGHers who take the Red Line subway service to the Charles Street/MGH T station are strongly encouraged to use the new temporary elevated walkway and platform to safely cross Cambridge Street. The MBTA built the walkway and temporary station to accommodate pedestrians during the station's reconstruction. Since the opening of the temporary station May 22, many pedestrians have been crossing Cambridge Street instead of using the walkway, causing significant safety concerns.

"The temporary walkway was constructed so that our patients, visitors and employees can get to the hospital safely without crossing several lanes of traffic," says Bonnie Michelman, director of MGH Police, Security and Outside Services. "We would like to remind MGH employees that it is dangerous to cross Cambridge Street. It is important for everyone to use the walkway to avoid the potential risk of getting hurt crossing six lanes of traffic."

In other news from the MBTA, a new subway station has opened at North Station, which allows the inbound Orange and Green Line subway platforms to face each other, streamlining the pedestrian switch between lines. Also, a shuttle bus will replace Green Line subway service at Lechmere and Science Park stations beginning June 19. The temporary shuttle service will run for approximately one year during Green Line construction and will have the same schedule and fare as subway service.