Governor Deval Patrick today joined Congressman Michael Capuano, Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino and state and local officials to announce the groundbreaking for the $15.9 million Talbot Commuter Rail Station, as part of the Fairmount Commuter Rail Line Rehabilitation Project. The project will create an estimated 120 construction jobs, with project completion scheduled for 2013.

“The Fairmount Line investments are creating jobs and improving transportation options for residents across the community,” said Governor Patrick. “This is a smart investment that will pay off for decades to come.”

“Investing in our roads, bridges, and rail infrastructure provides communities with improved transportation that links commuters to businesses and neighborhoods and supports job creation and economic growth,” said Lieutenant Governor Timothy Murray. “Improvements to the Talbot Avenue Station will provide public transit enhancements in one of Boston’s busiest areas.”

The Talbot Avenue Station is the third of four commuter rail stations under construction as part of the Fairmount Commuter Rail Line Rehabilitation Project. Similar to the Four Corners/Geneva station currently under construction, the Talbot Avenue Station will include new high level platforms, canopies, passenger shelters, benches and windscreens, and electronic message signs. Sidewalks adjacent to the station will also be reconstructed with new wheelchair ramps at major intersections.

“Increasing access to public transportation makes economic and environmental sense,” said Congressman Capuano. “I have long advocated for additional stops along the Fairmount commuter rail line so that Boston residents will have better access to this transit resource. I am pleased to be here today celebrating another step in efforts to enhance the Fairmount line.”

“It’s great to see public transportation investment in the heart of our City.  Improving the Fairmount Line has long been a top public transportation priority for my Administration and I want to thank Governor Patrick and his team for their commitment to this issue,” said Mayor Menino. “This new station, along with the recent renovations at Uphams Corner and Morton Street and the work underway at the Four Corners/Geneva station, will greatly improve transit access for the underserved communities of Dorchester and Mattapan.”

The Talbot Avenue and Woodrow Avenue railroad bridges will also be replaced later this year in conjunction with the Talbot Avenue Station project. The bridges will be replaced using the fast-track method - the new bridges will be built on site and following demolition of the existing structures, the bridges will be installed over one weekend each, to minimize disruption to the rail service. The 9.2 mile Fairmount Commuter Rail Line runs from South Station through Dorchester and Hyde Park, terminating at the Readville Station. It is the only MBTA Commuter Rail Line that exclusively serves the City of Boston.

“The strides we are making with the Fairmount Line projects is testament to the Patrick-Murray Administration’s commitment to making quality improvements to public transportation that make a real difference for residents,” said MassDOT Transportation Secretary and CEO Jeffrey Mullan.

“The revitalization of the Fairmount Corridor is key to providing residents with access to public transportation that is direct and convenient,” said MBTA General Manager Richard A. Davey. “Under the leadership of Governor Patrick and Lieutenant Governor Murray, we will continue to make transit improvements throughout the Commonwealth that improve the quality of life for residents.”

“This new station will provide greater access to public transportation and downtown Boston and will spur economic growth in our surrounding community,” said Senator Jack Hart. “It has been a pleasure to work with the community and the MBTA to see this station become a reality.”

Amenities at the new station will include closed circuit television (CCTV) video surveillance cameras, police emergency call box systems, public telephones and an off street drop-off/pick-up area.

Launched in 2005, Phase I of the Fairmount Commuter Rail Rehabilitation Project is now complete, including the rehabilitation of Upham’s Corner and Morton stations and bridges reconstruction and improvements. Phase II involves the construction of four new commuter rail stations with three of four station projects now underway: Four Corners/Geneva; Talbot Avenue Station; and Newmarket Station. The fourth, Blue Hill Avenue Station, to be located in Mattapan, is currently in design.