FRAMINGHAM — Local and state officials gathered Monday morning for a garage.
Currently, the Framingham Logan Express is undergoing renovations that will add 1,000 parking spaces to the garage. The goal is to also increase shuttle frequency to and from Boston Logan International Airport from 30-minutes to 20-minute intervals.
Logan Express locations are run by Massachusetts Port Authority (MassPort). Its CEO, Rich Davey said that if there’s one thing people should remember, it’s that MassPort is back.
“MassPort is back and better coming out of COVID. COVID knocked us down, we stood back up and we are breaking records across our properties, including Logan Airport,” Davey said speaking at a press conference.
A groundbreaking ceremony announcing expansion plans at Logan Express, which will include 1,000 more parking spaces, Dec. 9, 2024. From left: Anthony Consigli, Consigli Construction; Sarkis Sarkisian, Framingham Director of Planning and Community Development; MassPort Director of Capital Programs Luciana Burdi; MassPort Director of Aviation Ed Freni; Mass. Senate President Karen Spilka; Massport CEO Rich Davey; Framingham Mayor Charlie Sisitsky; and Framingham State Rep. Priscila Sousa.
He added that the only way MassPort is going to manage and continue the growth is to invest in its high-occupancy vehicle strategy. “We’re approximately doubling the size of our Framingham garage, we’re excited about that,” he said.
Construction of the expansion had a ceremonial groundbreaking ceremony on Monday morning, with construction to be ready by the 2025 Thanksgiving holiday season. MassPort previously announced that as part of the garage expansion, it will add electric vehicle charging stations and solar panels to the facility.
‘Essential service’: Framingham Logan Express garage to add 1,000 parking spaces
Elected officials praise Framingham Logan Express expansion
State Senate President Karen Spilka, D-Ashland, spoke at the event. She said she knew many of people who use Logan Express, which is in her district.
“During the holiday season, we’re all too familiar with the challenges we might face trying to get across the country to visit our people,” she said during the press conference. “I think there are many reasons why using the Logan Express is a good idea, especially this time of year.”
Framingham Mayor Charlie Sisitsky is also looking forward to the completion of the project, praising the project’s contractor, Milford-based Consigli Construction, which also built Fuller Middle School.
“This investment reflects MassPort’s commitment to enhancing transportation options that save time, reduce stress and support sustainable growth for our communities,” he said. “We look forward to the additional parking and more people coming into Framingham to use a service and spend some time in Framingham, helping our local businesses and our hotels and restaurants.”
A groundbreaking ceremony announcing expansion plans at Logan Express, which will include 1,000 more parking spaces, took place Dec. 9, 2024.
What to know about the Logan Express in Framingham
The Framingham Logan Express site, at 11 Burr St., is among five such locations in Greater Boston.
Framingham’s Logan Express opened in 2014. The site is also on the city’s plan to comply with the MBTA Communities law. The law requires over 170 communities to zone for multi-family housing. Under the current plan, Shoppers World, located adjacent to Logan Express, would be rezoned to allow for over 600 multi-family housing units near the site.
This particular zone has been praised by city councilors due to its proximity to the Logan Express shuttle. Following the groundbreaking, Davey said the parking lot could be used as a staging area for commuter buses to Boston in the future.
“If we’re able to contribute to improve the commute, we’re happy to help,” Davey said.
MassPort’s Logan Express also has locations in Boston’s Back Bay, Braintree, Danvers and Woburn.
This article originally appeared on MetroWest Daily News: Logan Express parking garage expansion: Timeline for construction