See the timeline for the new Quincy MBTA bus depot at the former Lowe's

QUINCY – The MBTA says it plans to start demolishing the former Lowe's building next to Burgin Parkway in South Quincy to make way for a new bus facility.

The depot is expected to service 120 buses and will be equipped to service hybrid and electric buses as the MBTA phases out diesel-only vehicles.

The facility will employ more than 200 people and provide office space for T employees. The MBTA said the depot is expected to be substantially complete by late 2024.

The T said the design of the new building should be done by the beginning of next year, and that construction will start in the summer.

A rendering of a view of a proposed new Quincy MBTA bus facility from the Deco apartment complex.
A rendering of a view of a proposed new Quincy MBTA bus facility from the Deco apartment complex.

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The depot is expected to have 45 battery-electric buses in its fleet. The new buses are part of an MBTA move to cleaner vehicles. The MBTA is in the early stages of redesigning its bus network.

In addition to the facility, the MBTA will improve pedestrian crossings on Burgin Parkway and the sidewalk in front of the building. The project will also include a pedestrian and bike path between Columbia Street and Burgin Parkway and an extension of Columbia Street to Burgin Parkway.

The former Lowe's building in South Quincy will make way for an MBTA bus depot.
The former Lowe's building in South Quincy will make way for an MBTA bus depot.

Residents at past meetings brought up concerns about traffic and safety, particularly for pedestrians at Burgin Parkway and Penn Street in front of the Quincy Adams T station. Improvements at the intersection have been ongoing.

The new facility will replace a century-old facility owned by the MBTA at 954 Hancock St. that can't handle the T's newer buses.

The MBTA presented details about a bus depot planned for Burgin Parkway.
The MBTA presented details about a bus depot planned for Burgin Parkway.

The facility, built in about 1904, was initially a streetcar facility and was converted to a bus depot in 1930. It houses 84 buses.

Mayor Thomas Koch has expressed interest in buying the land once the T closes the facility.

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This article originally appeared on The Patriot Ledger: MBTA will construct new bus facility in Quincy at former Lowe's site