Widett Circle

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Panorama of Widett Circle in March 2022 Widett Circle panorama, March 2022.jpg
Panorama of Widett Circle in March 2022

Widett Circle refers to a locale and its encircling roadway in South Boston, Massachusetts that has long been used as a wholesale food market, but which has been proposed for several redevelopment projects. Located in an industrial zone, [1] it is situated between a bend in Interstate 93 and various rail yards, near the Massachusetts Avenue connector to I-93. Widett Circle was named for Harold Widett who was the attorney for the meat packers union.

Two railroad tracks encircle Widett Circle and form a loop, which is used by Amtrak to turn trains around. Amtrak uses a train wash shed located on the loop to wash trains. In addition, multiple rail yards and maintenance facilities are adjacent to Widett Circle, including Amtrak's Southampton Street Yard, Amtrak's Front Yard, and MBTA's South Side Service and Inspection Facility. [2]

Potential uses for the site have included:

In December 2022, the MBTA Board authorized the agency to negotiate to purchase the property for use as a layover yard. [8] [9] The purchase price is expected to be around $200 million, with construction expected to take three years. The new yard will likely include provisions for building an air rights project in the future and may reduce the need for layover facility at the former Beacon Park Yard in Allston. [10] The MBTA took possession of the property in April 2023. [11] Amtrak was also interested in laying over trains at Widett Circle. [12]

References

  1. ↑ "Zoning Districts City of Boston, Map 4, South Boston". Boston Planning & Development Agency. February 7, 2024. Retrieved June 5, 2024.
  2. ↑ Layover Facility Alternatives Analysis March 2013 Version 0 (Report). Massachusetts Department of Transportation. March 2023. pp. 8–11. Retrieved July 13, 2025.
  3. ↑ "Elected officials fight proposed South Boston train layover yard". Boston.com. Retrieved 13 January 2015.
  4. ↑ "Transfer station dispute erupts at South Boston line". Dotnews.com. Retrieved 13 January 2015.
  5. ↑ "'We're not for sale' - Powerful interests circle site on Southie line". Dotnews.com. Retrieved 13 January 2015.
  6. ↑ Ross, Casey; Borchers, Callum; Arsenault, Mark (November 18, 2014). "Kraft family looks to build soccer stadium in Boston - Site off I-93 considered as new home for Revolution". The Boston Globe . Retrieved 13 January 2015. Although some people familiar with the discussions said the Kraft proposal could conflict with the Olympic group's efforts for the bigger stadium, others said there is enough room in the area to accommodate both facilities. The Olympic committee is focusing on a site on Widett Circle, just to the south of the city property, that hosts a collection of food wholesalers.
  7. ↑ "The best use of Widett Circle? Don't develop it at all - the Boston Globe". The Boston Globe .
  8. ↑ Henderson, Richard (December 15, 2022). "Widett Circle Acquisition" (PDF). Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority.
  9. ↑ "MBTA Seeks to Purchase Widett Circle Property for Commuter Rail Layover Yard" (Press release). Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority. December 15, 2022.
  10. ↑ Jon Chesto (December 15, 2022). "The place Boston's Olympic stadium was supposed to go could soon be a railyard, The MBTA board OK'd the purchase of a 24-acre site south of downtown that has long been eyed for development". Boston Globe.
  11. ↑ "MBTA completes purchase of land for new commuter yard". Trains News Wire. April 12, 2023.
  12. ↑ Jon Chesto (30 September 2024). "Amtrak and the MBTA are looking to increase passenger service. But where to park the trains?". The Boston Globe .

42°20′10″N71°03′45″W / 42.3360°N 71.0625°W / 42.3360; -71.0625

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