METRO Magazine Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Keolis, MBTA to replace up to 30K rail ties on line

Goal of replacement work on the Framingham-Worcester line is to end heat-related speed restrictions.

March 28, 2016
Keolis, MBTA to replace up to 30K rail ties on line

Pi.1415926535

2 min to read



Track work is set to start on the Massachussetts Bay Transportation Authority's (MBTA) Framingham-Worcester Line this month, with a goal of replacing 25,000 to 30,000 railroad ties while work to end the line’s heat-related speed restrictions wraps up.

Keolis Commuter Services, which operates and maintains MBTA Commuter Rail, will be performing and overseeing much of this work, which is expected to have minimal impact on passengers. Most of the work will be performed mid-day to avoid peak commutes. Some speed restrictions will take place around the construction.



“Commuter rail’s performance on the Framingham-Worcester Line has improved dramatically thanks to the work we and the MBTA have already completed,” said Keolis GM Gerald C. Francis. “This next round of track work will help move trains more efficiently and finally end the speed restrictions riders have dealt with for many years.”

The track on the Framingham-Worcester Line was built and maintained by previous railroads using different design and maintenance standards than the MBTA. When the MBTA took control of the rail line in 2012, there were insufficient records available about the original installation of the rail, which helps engineers verify that the rail will respond to heat variations between winter and summer season.

To compensate for these unknowns, over the past two years the MBTA has either replaced rail or de-stressed sections of rail to ensure the safety of the Worcester Line. That work is ongoing this spring between Worcester and Framingham, and between Newtonville and Wellesley Farms. When complete, the commuter line will be free of speed restrictions.

At the same time, crews will start replacing 25,000 to 30,000 railroad ties between Newtonville and Southborough. Tie replacement will continue into the fall. In addition, the construction of the new Boston Landing Station will be taking place near the New Balance headquarters in Allston.

None of these projects are expected to impact peak service on the line, though off-peak service could be slowed by speed restrictions near construction zones.

More Management

Traffic fills a multi-lane highway beside a graphic highlighting a report on where public transit provides the greatest cost advantage over driving.

Report Examines Where Public Transit Delivers the Greatest Cost Advantage Over Driving

A new study found commuters in several major U.S. cities could save hundreds of dollars each month by taking public transit instead of driving, with Los Angeles ranking as the nation’s most expensive city for car commuters.

Read More →
Community Transit's Bluebell bus celebrating the agency's 50-year milestone.
Busby StaffMay 15, 2026

Washington's Community Transit Celebrates 50-Year Milestone

The milestone highlights both the agency’s history and its evolving role in meeting the region’s growing mobility needs.

Read More →
Cover photo for METROspectives with HDR's Brian Buchanan
Managementby Alex RomanMay 15, 2026

Managing Complexity: HDR’s Brian Buchanan on Delivering Major Transit Programs

HDR’s transit program management lead discusses the challenges of overseeing large capital projects, adapting to cost and supply chain pressures, and the capabilities agencies need to build for the future.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A PRT bus serving a PRTX BRT station
Managementby StaffMay 14, 2026

NFL Draft Delivers Big Ridership, Revenue Boost for Pittsburgh

Over the three days, PRT recorded 485,000 rides, reflecting the extraordinary number of trips taken as people traveled throughout the region for Draft events, work, and daily life.

Read More →
STV's Garo Hovnanian
Managementby Alex RomanMay 13, 2026

The Expanding Role of Advisory in Transit Delivery

Garo Hovnanian explores how agencies can better navigate competing priorities, strengthen decision-making, and prepare for a future shaped by electrification and emerging mobility.

Read More →
An NJ TRANSIT bus.
Managementby StaffMay 13, 2026

NJ TRANSIT to Expand Cleanliness, Safety, and Accessibility Under New Action Plan

The plan includes investments in cleaner vehicles and upgraded stations, NJT LiveView to provide real-time GPS tracking of train and light rail service, enhanced safety initiatives through a new Real Time Crime Center, and the debut of a redesigned NJ TRANSIT mobile app.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Mayor Tim Keller in front of an ABQ RIDE microtransit vehicle
New Mobilityby StaffMay 12, 2026

ABQ RIDE Forward's Next Phase Sets Target Date

ABQ RIDE Forward is the first transit system overhaul in more than 25 years. This latest phase marks 15% completion of the 16-phase rollout, which will continue over the next several years.

Read More →
Managementby StaffMay 12, 2026

New Orleans RTA Signals Leadership Shift, Opens National CEO Search

During the meeting, the board approved a resolution invalidating a previously amended contract and authorized Board Chair Ann Duplessis to negotiate a separation agreement with CEO Lona Edwards Hankins.

Read More →
METRO Biz Briefs cover photo

STV Launches Power Practice and More in Biz Briefs

In METRO's latest installment, we take a look at the latest news from SilverRide, Complete Coach Works, and more.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Railcar handles signifying transit usage
Managementby StaffMay 11, 2026

FTA Announces $28.5M Investment for Transit-Oriented Development Planning

The Pilot Program for TOD Planning helps support FTA’s mission of improving America’s communities through public transportation by providing funding to local communities to integrate land use and transportation planning with a new fixed-guideway or core-capacity transit capital investment.

Read More →