MBTA Makes Further Progress on Expedited Critical Track Work on Green Line, Removes 11 Speed Restrictions

Of the 11 restrictions removed during this outage, one was the oldest in the system at over 900 days old.

Crews performed track work in the underground tunnel of the Green Line. Complimentary photo by the MBTA Customer and Employee Experience Department.

The MBTA today announced the completion of critical track work on the Green Line, which removed 11 safety-related speed restrictions. Crews accomplished this critical work due to unencumbered access to track areas while Green Line service was suspended on the B branch between Copley and Babcock Street, on the C branch between Copley and Cleveland Circle, and on the D branch between Copley and Brookline Hills from February 20-March 8.

Located near Ayr Road and Beacon Street in Brookline, one-speed restriction removed during the suspension on the C branch was the oldest in the system at over 900 days old. Thanks to the MBTA team’s coordination and work, removing this restriction this month means the MBTA does not need to suspend service on the C branch in the fall as previously planned.

Additionally, a thorough inspection confirms no relation exists between this Green Line work and the derailment that occurred on Saturday, March 9, near Kenmore Station. Prior to reopening the Green Line at 5 AM following the latest construction work, rigorous testing was conducted, including running multiple test trains. More than 70 Green Line trolleys had safely traveled through Kenmore Station prior to the incident. The post-derailment inspection corroborated the results from the post-diversion testing, confirming that the switches were functioning without any defects, that all track and switch replacement work was successfully accomplished, and that the replaced track and switches are performing well. The investigation into the cause of the derailment is now isolated to the incident car itself. The MBTA will continue to provide details as they are confirmed.

“The incredible amount of work that we accomplished, from tracks to signals to station work, during this 18-day shutdown is a testament to the dedicated workforce committed towards making meaningful improvements,” said MBTA General Manager and CEO Phillip Eng. “We took full advantage of this outage and by closely coordinating internally and externally, we maximized the diversion opportunity, getting critical work done. It’s important for all to know that following Saturday’s derailment, we have determined that the track work was completed properly. This was verified prior to reopening the Green Line and recertified post incident. I’m proud of the work done to date to reverse years of disinvestment but mindful of the work still ahead. The public deserves a safe and reliable system and we thank them for their patience and support as we continue tackling the challenges ahead to rebuild and restore our infrastructure.”

Infrastructure improvements were accomplished along the Green Line. Complimentary photo by the MBTA Customer and Employee Experience Department.

The important work accomplished on the Green Line means riders will experience a more reliable trip 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 performed overhead catenary wire work on the Green Line during the shutdown. The overhead wires provide power to the Green Line trolleys. Complimentary photo by the MBTA Customer and Employee Experience Department.

Crews continued to maximize the Green Line shutdown in a number of ways. With unencumbered access to Green 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 Green Line tunnel area in order to be as efficient as possible during the shutdown in service.

Among this critical work:

Approximately 13,000 feet of rail was installed by MBTA Maintenance of Way and contractor crews.
Over 4,000 feet of restraining rail was replaced.
Over 21,000 linear feet of track was tamped.
Over 1,300 ties were replaced and 93 rail welds were performed.
Nearly 1,500 feet of full depth track construction was performed.
Over 1,800 tie plates and over 1,500 huck bolt assemblies, which connect the restraining rail to the running rail, were replaced.
2,850 feet of overhead catenary wire was replaced with additional wire inspections performed.
Critical switch installation and replacement work was performed.
Station inspections were performed.
Hands-on tunnel inspections were performed with leak sealing as needed.
Work to install more electronic E Ink signs and solar panels at street-level Green Line stops was accomplished.
Signal fiber was installed near Fenway station.
Critical overhead catenary wire work was accomplished near the Fenway station portal area.
Security and emergency management enhancements were performed.

Crews performed track and tie replacement work along the Green Line tracks. Complimentary photo by the MBTA Customer and Employee Experience Department.

As a result of this critical work, the following safety-related speed restrictions are no longer in place:


Speed Restriction Number	Restriction Information and Location	Status
Speed Restriction Number	1. 576967	Restriction Information and Location	Eastbound on the B Branch between Blandford Street and Kenmore	Status	Removed
Speed Restriction Number	2. 576808	Restriction Information and Location	Westbound on the B Branch between Kenmore and Blandford Street	Status	Removed
Speed Restriction Number	3. 528761	Restriction Information and Location	Westbound on the B Branch between Blandford Street and BU East	Status	Removed
Speed Restriction Number	4. 329925	Restriction Information and Location	Westbound near Kenmore	Status	Removed
Speed Restriction Number	5. 524499	Restriction Information and Location	Eastbound on the C Branch between St. Mary’s Street and Kenmore	Status	Removed
Speed Restriction Number	6. 524229	Restriction Information and Location	Eastbound on the C branch between St. Mary’s Street and Kenmore	Status	Removed
Speed Restriction Number	7. 524509	Restriction Information and Location	Westbound on the C branch between Kenmore and St. Mary’s Street	Status	Removed
Speed Restriction Number	8. 000116	Restriction Information and Location	Eastbound between Kenmore and Hynes Convention Center	Status	Removed
Speed Restriction Number	9. 524750	Restriction Information and Location	Eastbound on the C branch between St. Mary’s Street and Kenmore	Status	Removed
Speed Restriction Number	10. 325637	Restriction Information and Location	Westbound on the C branch between Englewood Ave and Cleveland Circle	Status	Removed
Speed Restriction Number	11. 230851	Restriction Information and Location	Westbound on the D branch between Kenmore and Fenway	Status	Removed

Crews performed work within Green Line stations. Complimentary photo by the MBTA Customer and Employee Experience Department.

Closely coordinating with outside utility partners, National Grid and their contractor were also able to access MBTA property between Longwood and Brookline Village stations in order to make critical gas main repairs. This gas main is located on a bridge that spans over the Green Line D branch.

A variety of other in-station work also took place along the Green Line to further enhance the rider experience, including:

performing repairs and replacements of valves and piping within the Commonwealth Avenue pump room;
cleaning, sanding, and painting wooden station benches;
fire retardant installations;
station painting;
yellow tactile edging repairs to platforms;
flooring and tile repairs;
concrete repairs;
stairway upgrades and repairs, including handrail repairs;
waste receptacle replacements;
powerwashing and cleaning work; and
installing/replacing station signage.