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Alewife Station Red Line Service Resumes, Medford Driver Charged

After a driver intentionally crashed into Alewife Station and stopped breathing before being resuscitated, the station is reopening to commuters, albeit with few changes and reduced capacity.

The Honda Civic that crashed into the 10,000-pound concrete barrier.

The Honda Civic that crashed into the 10,000-pound concrete barrier.

Photo Credit: MBTA Transit Police

Red Line service at Alewife Station is resuming on Friday, Feb. 10, according to the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority. The station was out of commission following a Saturday, Feb. 4 incident in which a car crashed into a 10,000-pound concrete barrier in the Alewife parking garage onto the station below, as reported by Daily Voice. 

Read more: UPDATE: Car Crashes Into Alewife Garage, Stopping Regular Service For A Week

The driver of the at-fault white Honda civic was a 29-year-old male from Medford who was trying to harm himself, according to the MBTA Transit Police. A patrolling police officer heard the car crash into the barrier around 1:30 p.m. and found the car partially hanging off the roof of the garage. 

The driver was conscious but not alert and stopped breathing soon after discovery. The officer began life-saving measures and successfully revived the man, who was then transferred to the care of EMTs who transported him to a hospital.

Debris fell on multiple pedestrians and commuters, injuring one. 

Almost a week after the incident, Alewife Station's main lobby remains closed. Commuters will instead enter the station through Russell Field headhouse, which the MBTA says is a two-minute walk from the garage. 

Newly-installed signage and lighting direct riders through a tunnel to the station from the Russel Field headhouse. 

The parking garage is also partially reopened, with levels G, two, three, and four open to drivers. The lobby floor and level five remain closed. 

Despite the re-opening, the MBTA advises commuters to consider alternate transit and parking options using the T's online Trip Planner tool because of the station's reduced capacity. 

The station's fare vending machines may have long lines, so riders are advised to purchase fares before arriving at the Russell Field headhouse. 

MBTA staff will be available during service hours to assist commuters with the changes. 

The MBTA transit police and the Middlesex DA's office determined that the Medford man drove his car in a reckless and negligent manner. He is facing the criminal charges of operating to endanger and eight counts of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon.

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