Ashland MBTA station will be closed for repairs. Here's what riders need to know

ASHLAND — The local Commuter Rail station will be closed for "several months," effective Aug. 26, to accommodate repairs, the MBTA announced Monday in a press release.

The Ashland stop, at Pleasant Street and Cordaville Road, will receive $2.5 million in improvements, with the MBTA only stating that construction will last "through the fall."

"We’re pleased to deliver these critical improvements at Ashland Station, to ensure safe and accessible access for the Ashland community and our passengers when complete,” said MBTA General Manager and CEO Phillip Eng, in a statement. “We’re investing in needed maintenance of our facilities as we work on the station’s pedestrian overpass, walkways and platforms, while also improving the customer experience with better lighting, new digital signs and more."

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The MBTA will provide a shuttle service to and from the Framingham stop for riders who normally get on or off the train in Ashland.

'Complete restoration' of pedestrian overpass planned

State Senate President Karen Spilka, who lives in Ashland, said in a statement that safe and reliable public transportation "is is fundamental to our success as a commonwealth.”

“I have fought for years for investments to update this important Commuter Rail stop and I am very grateful to the administration for prioritizing this project," said Spilka, a Democrat. "I’m also grateful to the MBTA for providing bus service to mitigate disruption to commuters.”

According to the MBTA, repairs will include a complete restoration of the pedestrian overpass; platform resurfacing and painting; improvements to accessibility; and newer, more advanced signage.

Ashland Town Manager Michael Herbert said the improvements are being made due to to the work of Ashland legislators and the commitment to public transportation in the community.

"We have been committed to this endeavor for an extended period, recognizing the essential role that the station plays in serving our community," Herbert said in a statement. "Our sincere thanks go out to the MBTA for listening to our appeals and taking the necessary steps to enhance the safety, efficiency and overall quality of the transportation services our residents depend on daily."

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The MBTA said the schedule for shuttle buses connecting the Ashland and Framingham stations will soon be available online.

State Rep. Jack Lewis, D-Framingham, whose district includes Ashland, said that while the changes to the regular commute are an inconvenience for Ashland commuters, the station's improvements will serve the town for future generations.

"While the next several months are going to require dramatic changes for Ashland commuters, the improvements will support our community for decades to come," he said in a statement.

This article originally appeared on MetroWest Daily News: Ashland MBTA station closing Aug. 26 to accommodate renovations