To mitigate impacts to its transit network, the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) launched an extensive climate resilience program. One of the MBTA’s top priorities was sealing off the Fenway portal, which connects to the oldest subway system in the United States and is prone to flooding from an adjacent river.
After helping the MBTA secure a $28.8 million Federal Transit Administration grant to make Fenway Station and the nearby Green Line subway portal flood-resistant, STV designed short- and long-term improvements to protect the station and portal against significant storm events and heavy inundation from the Muddy River. The project team conducted floodplain analysis, surveying and facility inspections to evaluate the area and develop recommendations for sealing it off during flood conditions. The team conducted industry surveys, subject-matter expert interviews and extensive industry research to develop detailed flood mitigation options that are best suited for the portal.
The completed project features new floodgates and steel doors around the tunnel’s entrance, as well as an updated pump station.
