What the MBTA Wants From the Green Line Extension

SOMERVILLE, MA – The MBTA Green Line Extension Project Team on Friday released a draft Request for Proposal (RFP) for the project's shortlisted design-build teams. The draft includes an affordability limit of $1.319 billion, a base scope of work and "additive options" that can be completed within the project schedule and budget.

Six "additive options" that may be proposed are included within the draft RFP. The options are not required, and the project must first meet the core elements of seven stations and train service before they are considered.

Program Manager John Dalton emphasized that these "additive options" must not force the project over budget.

The "additive options" are prioritized in the following order:

1. Platform canopies.
2. Additional elevators at select stations.
3. Public art.
4. Additional community connection to the community path located on Chester Street in Somerville.
5. Extension of the community path between East Somerville and Lechmere Stations.
6. Enhanced Vehicle Maintenance Facility in Somerville.

"This draft RFP is a major step in the ongoing procurement process as we proceed towards building the Green Line Extension," Dalton said in a statement. "This document reaffirms the primary objective of delivering the base scope of the program while also allowing for the inclusion of additive-scope options if the completive pricing received from the design-build teams will allow. The maximum price tag for the Green Line Extension Project has been set and supported by the Fiscal and Management Control Board and we will not go beyond this threshold."

Also part of the draft RFP are weekend shutdowns of the Lowell and Fitchburg commuter rail lines, which share right-of-way areas with GLX locations, for 25 weekends during each year of construction. The MBTA also has the ability to consider extended shutdown periods if the contractor can provide significant cost or schedule savings for the project, according to the draft.

The final RFP will be issued in May 2017 after feedback is received from the shortlisted design-build firms. Price proposals for the competing firms are due in September 2017 and must not exceed the affordability limit of $1.319 million.

For more information on the Green Line Extension Project, please visit the Project’s webpage.

Patch File Photo