The MBTA today announced the completion of critical track work on the Red Line while service was suspended between JFK/UMass and Kendall/MIT from August 19 to August 26. As a result of unencumbered access to track areas, crews accomplished important work to lift six speed restrictions – five were planned to be removed with a sixth slow zone identified during the service suspension that was also lifted. The work accomplished will result in a safer, more reliable trip for riders with fewer unplanned service disruptions.
“The infrastructure work accomplished on the Red Line between Kendall/MIT and JFK/UMass stations is another major step towards improving the reliability of the system and travel times for our riders,” said MBTA General Manager and CEO Phillip Eng. “We know service suspensions are challenging for the public, but the amount of work that needed to be done required this level of access to ensure that we safely and properly performed the necessary work in the most productive manner. This short-term closure now allows us to safely deliver more reliable, more frequent train service longer term, giving people back time in their day.”
It was previously anticipated that Red Line train service would resume on August 26, but the service suspension was extended one day to allow crews additional time to complete the promised work following an incident involving track maintenance vehicles along the Longfellow Bridge.
This service change was in place to support critical track and tie replacement work as part of the Track Improvement Program work. Workers also maximized the outage by performing signal upgrades, security enhancements, station amenity upgrades, and more.
With unencumbered access to Red Line stations, crews accomplished the following work:
- Replaced more than 9,750 feet of rail
- Replaced more than 1,720 feet of restraining rail
- Accomplished 260 feet of full depth track reconstruction, including the replacement of rail, ties, and ballast
- Replaced more than 470 ties
- Resurfaced and tamped 9,200 feet of track
- Replaced 190 third-rail insulators along the Red Line
- Installed more than 8,100 feet of cable hangers along the northbound and southbound Red Line tunnels between Broadway and Downtown Crossing
- Removed and reinstalled 24 WEZE bonds
- Removed and reinstalled approximately 2,000 feet of signal cable
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. 000094 | Restriction Information and Location | Southbound between Charles/MGH and Park Street | Status | Removed |
| Speed Restriction Number | 2. 000035 | Restriction Information and Location | Southbound between Charles/MGH and Park Street | Status | Removed |
| Speed Restriction Number | 3. 000004 | Restriction Information and Location | Southbound between Charles/MGH and Park Street | Status | Removed |
| Speed Restriction Number | 4. 000010 | Restriction Information and Location | Northbound between Charles/MGH and Park Street | Status | Removed |
| Speed Restriction Number | 5. 000108 | Restriction Information and Location | Northbound between Kendall/MIT and Charles/MGH | Status | Removed |
| Speed Restriction Number | 6. 000158 | Restriction Information and Location | Southbound between Kendall/MIT and Charles/MGH | Status | Removed |
A variety of other work also took place along the Red Line to further enhance the rider experience, including:
- Repairs to drainage grates, stairways, and columns at Broadway
- Inspections and repairs to station stairways
- Cleaning and replacement of signage and maps throughout the suspension area
- Clearing drainage areas at Downtown Crossing
- Inspections of pump rooms and the installation of pump improvements between Downtown Crossing and South Station
- Ceiling and tile repairs
- Inspections of nearly 300 overhead areas on stairs, escalators, and the Red Line level of Park Street
- Security camera upgrades throughout the suspension area
- Ceiling repairs and fireproofing work at Downtown Crossing, which would have been exceptionally challenging to accomplish during overnight hours when service does not run
- Performing an assessment of locations and conditions of doors adjacent to the right of way
- Power and signal modernization work
- In-station painting, cleaning, and power washing throughout the suspension area
Riders are also encouraged to connect with MBTA staff at upcoming Track Improvement Program pop-up events and virtual public meeting. Events through the end of the year are below:
- Wednesday, August 28
- Station Pop-up
- JFK/UMass
- 8 AM –10 AM
- Tuesday, October 1
- Virtual
- 6 PM – 8 PM
- More information is at mbta.com/events
- Thursday, October 31
- Station Pop-Up
- Broadway Station
- 8 AM – 10 AM
- Tuesday, December 3
- Station Pop-Up
- Medford/Tufts
- 4 PM – 6 PM
More Information
Media Contact Information
For all queries and comments, please contact:
MBTA Press Office
LBattiston@mbta.com
857-368-8500
