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MBTA Successfully Completes Track Work on Red Line

With the Red Line track work completed, MBTA was able to lift five critical speed restrictions, bringing the total number of restrictions present along their subway system down to four.

MBTA logo

MBTA continues towards their goal of removing all speed restrictions from their subway system as they lift five from the Red Line, leaving only four in place.

Photo: MTBA

2 min to read


The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) announced the successful completion of critical track work on the Red Line while service was suspended between Broadway and North Quincy from November 5 to November 10, with service also suspended between Broadway and Ashmont on November 9 and November 10.

As a result of the unencumbered access to track areas, crews accomplished important work to lift five speed restrictions, resulting in safer, more reliable trips for riders. There are now only four speed restrictions currently present along the entire subway system.

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The 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 nearly 9,500 feet of rail, resurface approximately 7,920 feet of track, replace 26 ties and 143 switch timbers, replace nearly 260 plates, and complete special trackwork repairs.

Other work included repairs to the Braintree platform area, overhead station inspections, security enhancements, stairway inspections, replacement of broken glass, Track work at complicated crossover areas, power and signal work, the installation of new signage, drain cleaning, patching of concrete pillars, painting, and power washing.

Riders are encouraged to connect with MBTA staff at the upcoming Track Improvement Program pop up event on Tuesday, December 3 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Medford/Tufts station.

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