ITEM PHOTO BY BETH BRESNAHAN
David Mohler, transportation department planning director, speaks at North Shore Community College.
By THOR JOURGENSEN
LYNN — State Sen. Thomas M. McGee said extending the Blue Line on the North Shore’s commuter rail lines could make Massachusetts a national model for smart transportation.
Speaking at a transportation spending hearing at North Shore Community College on Wednesday, McGee urged state officials to boost a $14.4 billion spending plan over five years to more than $20 billion.
He said making the Blue Line extension a priority “ties into economic opportunity” for Lynn and the North Shore.
“That project is imperative to the region,” he said.
Under discussion for years, the Blue Line extension project would extend the subway above ground by 4.5 miles from the Wonderland stop in Revere to Lynn.
McGee said connecting it to the nearby commuter rail track and operating Blue Line trains on the rail can be done with signaling upgrades and other minor changes.
The Lynn Business Partnership’s James Moore said the group has long advocated for the Blue Line expansion and plans to continue making the project a priority.
Daily Item CEO Beth Bresnahan said commuter rail service does not meet transit riders’ needs. She said expanding the Blue Line “will provide economic opportunities currently beyond our reach.”
State Rep. Brendan Crighton and Lynn City Council President Dan Cahill also spoke in favor of the expansion.
David Mohler, the state’s transportation department’s planning director, said state oversight boards will vote on a final capital investment plan on May 23.
Other proposed area projects including the $41 million Belden Bly Bridge replacement; $3.4 million to resurface Lynnfield Street from Wyoma Square to Great Woods Road and $15.4 million worth of Route 1 resurfacing work.
Thor Jourgensen can be reached at [email protected]
