New Pedestrian Pathway Enhances Access to East Somerville MBTA Station

On May 1, 2025, the City of Somerville, alongside the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA), North River Leerink, and Wheelock Street Capital, officially opened a core pedestrian connection between the East Somerville Green Line Station and the surrounding Inner Belt neighborhood. This new route significantly improves accessibility for local residents and businesses.

Previously, access to the East Somerville station from the Inner Belt area was limited primarily to vehicular traffic via Washington Street. However, this new pathway facilitates direct pedestrian access, marking a noteworthy enhancement for commuters and local businesses alike. As highlighted by the project, the development aims at fostering connectivity and encouraging more sustainable transit options in the area.

The East Somerville Green Line Station has been more than just a transit hub; it has played a pivotal role in revitalizing the Brickbottom and Inner Belt neighborhoods, making them more appealing to businesses. In fact, prominent tenants such as the ADA Forsyth Institute, Ultragenyx, and the innovative incubator Hatch.Bio have all relocated operations to Somerville in the past two years. Moreover, Form Energy’s recent expansion, taking over more than 100,000 square feet at 200 Inner Belt Road, underscores the attractive positioning of the station for driving economic activity.

The newly opened pedestrian route is not only functional but aesthetically designed to ensure a pleasant walk for users. The path crosses over the 200 Inner Belt Road property, allowing for seamless access to the station. Complementing this route is a blue bike station strategically positioned next to the train station, further promoting green transportation.

Additionally, the newly constructed pathway connects the Inner Belt neighborhood to the Somerville Community Path, a protected pedestrian and cycling track that links directly to Cambridge and provides expansive recreational space for local users.

Real estate owners North River Leerink and Wheelock Street Capital, who control approximately 10 acres adjacent to the East Somerville station, have ambitious plans for further development in the area. They are currently in the preliminary stages of planning a project that will introduce over one million square feet of commercial and residential space to the site, embodying the vision laid out in the Brickbottom Neighborhood Plan.

This collaboration demonstrates the commitment of both private developers and public entities to transform urban landscapes into vibrant and interconnected communities. The partnership is a case study in how strategic development can not only improve transportation but also shape the economic future of a locality. As these plans unfold, the focus will remain on creating a unique mixed-use neighborhood that fully capitalizes on the investment in the Green Line extension while meeting the evolving needs of the community.

For more information about this initiative and its future implications, you can visit Brickbottom Project to stay updated on developments and progress in the area.