The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) announced the successful completion of critical track work on the Orange Line while service was suspended between Forest Hills and Back Bay from October 8 to October 20. 

As a result of unencumbered access to track areas, crews accomplished important work to lift 20 speed restrictions, bringing the track  infrastructure into a state of good repair in this area. This will allow for safer, more reliable trips for riders.

As the result of the year-long Track Improvement Program, only 1% of the entire MBTA transit system remains speed restricted.

“This Orange Line diversion allowed us to perform long-deferred infrastructure work, eliminating all the speed restrictions to provide a smoother ride with shorter travel time, giving people precious time back in their lives,” said MBTA CEO and General Manager Phillip Eng. “As we rebuild the T, I hope to restore public trust and confidence, making the MBTA the preferred choice of travel. Soon, the Orange Line will be completely free of slow zones. With only 1% of our system remaining with restrictions, we are on our way to fulfilling our promise to the public we serve, eliminating all the speed restrictions systemwide under this Track Improvement Program.”

Finding an Opportunity

This service change was in place to support critical track and tie replacement work as part of the Track Improvement Program.

Workers also maximized the outage by performing signal upgrades, security enhancements, station amenity upgrades and more.

Crews were able to replace 27,594 feet of rail, resurface 1,900 of track, replace 336 ties, insert 19 full concrete direct fixation panels, 38 half concrete direct fixation panels, and 53 quarter concrete direct fixation panels, and add 250 core X shoulder posts.

Other work that took place along the orange line included replacing six switch machines, replacing and repairing 80 feet of handrails, repairing the stairs at Jackson Square Station, clearing drains, removed rail scrap and much more.

Riders are encouraged to connect with MBTA at upcoming Track Improvement Program pop-up events on Thursday, October 31 at Broadway Station and Tuesday, December 3 at Medford/Tufts.