MBTA Green Line- Sommerville Innerbelt Connection
Project
McDonald Electrical served as the sole electrical contractor for the MBTA’s Innerbelt Connection project— a critical infrastructure improvement designed to enhance pedestrian access between a Somerville industrial park and the nearby MBTA transit station.
This public transportation project focused on creating a safe, well-lit walkway that improves connectivity and supports multimodal access for commuters and workers in the area.
McDonald Electrical’s scope included:
- Ductbank Installation: New underground conduit systems for lighting, power, fire alarm, and low-voltage wiring.
- Lighting Systems: Installation of light pole fixtures to ensure safe nighttime passage along the walkway.
- Fire Alarm & Life Safety: Speaker/strobes installed along the path to meet emergency communication requirements.
- Ticketing & Surveillance Systems: Power and low voltage wiring to support ticket machines and security cameras.
- Emergency Power Upgrade: Replacement of the existing lighting inverter with a higher-capacity unit to support new emergency lighting infrastructure.
Special Challenges
The project required close coordination with the MBTA to schedule system shutdowns and gain access to restricted right-of-way areas. A key challenge involved installing conduit beneath active rail tracks to connect to the station’s electric room— demanding precise planning, safety compliance, and collaboration with multiple stakeholders.
Through strategic coordination and field expertise, McDonald Electrical successfully delivered a safe, functional, and future-ready pedestrian connection that supports the MBTA’s broader accessibility and infrastructure goals.
