MBTA Completes Expedited Red Line Track Work

Boston’s MBTA announced the successful and on-time completion of critical track work on the Red Line, which removed eight safety-related speed restrictions.

Crews accomplished this critical work due to unencumbered access to track areas while Red Line service was suspended between Alewife and Harvard stations for 10 days from February 5 to 14. In the evenings beginning at approximately 8:45 PM during the same period from February 5 to 14, the Red Line service suspension was extended to Park Street.

“We are committed to rebuilding our infrastructure, and the amount of work we were able to accomplish will improve service and reduce travel time along the Red Line,” said MBTA GM/CEO Phillip Eng. “This is another major step in the right direction. While we successfully completed the work and eliminated these speed restrictions, we continually look for lessons learned to minimize impacts as we move forward and accomplish even more work during future outages.”

Improving Reliability

The important work means riders will experience a more reliable trip on the Red Line with fewer unplanned service disruptions related to older tracks, older infrastructure, signal issues, or power problems. Riders will also be provided with a safer ride as a result of this state of good repair work.

Crews continued to maximize the Red Line shutdown in a number of ways. With unencumbered access to Red Line stations, crews were able to accomplish station enhancements and amenity upgrades like new flooring and lighting, which further improved the customer experience.

Additionally, through extensive planning and close coordination between contractor crews and multiple MBTA Operations departments, the MBTA was able to maximize the shutdown time by having numerous contractor crews and MBTA personnel working side-by-side and collaboratively within the very tight and confined underground Red Line tunnel area to be as efficient as possible during the shutdown in service.

Among this critical work:

• 2,500 feet of rail was installed.
• Successfully removed and replaced dozens of signal bonds, reinstalled approximately 3,500 feet of signal cable, and performed work on many track circuits within the diversion area.
• Installed one switch and performed additional rail work.
• Regauged the third rail and other rail work.
• Performed tunnel inspections along the southbound track between Harvard and Central stations, making repairs as needed.
• Performed repairs to ceiling areas.
• Performed hands-on inspections at stations.
• Performed signal modernization work at stations.
• Installed a new standpipe at Kendall/MIT station.
• Accomplished security camera improvements at stations.

A variety of other in-station work also took place along the Red Line to further enhance the rider experience, including cleaning, sanding, and painting wooden station benches; yellow tactile edging repairs to platforms; flooring and tile repairs; concrete repairs; stairway upgrades and repairs, including handrail repairs; waste receptacle replacements; plumbing and HVAC maintenance; installing/replacing station signage; and more.