Gov. Patrick Announces Major Transportation Projects

Gov. Deval Patrick announced Tuesday a series of major transportation infrastructure investments that include new cars on the subway and open-road tolling on the Massachusetts Turnpike.

Patrick, speaking to the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce, said the investments will stimulate economic growth and opportunity for commuters, residents and businesses, enhance accessibility, and ease traffic and congestion.

“Growth requires investment, and these projects will catalyze growth in greater Boston,” Patrick added in a news release about the projects. “If we want to expand opportunity in our Commonwealth, this is what government must do and do well.”

The governor said that the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority will launch a $1.3 billion procurement program to replace and increase the capacity of Red and Orange line trains.

On the Orange Line, 152 new cars will replace 120 cars; on the Red Line, 74 new cars will be delivered, with an option for an additional 58. The Orange Line cars are expected to be delivered beginning in late 2018, with the first Red Line cars coming the following year.

New MBTA car features will include increased capacity and additional seating, wider and electrically operated doors and LED lighting.

The Massachusetts Turnpike will be fitted with all electronic, open-road tolling that allows drivers to pass through tolls without slowing down. Permitting will begin immediately to rebuild and straighten the Mass Pike in Allston.

With reporting by The Associated Press and the WBUR Newsroom