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[CNJRoss]

Trains News Wire

 

MBTA announces plan to eliminate all slow orders on rail system by end of 2024

 

November 10, 2023

 

Project calls for incremental shutdowns of all four transit lines

 

BOSTON — The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority said Thursday that it will launch a major track repair program with the goal of eliminating all speed restrictions on its transit lines by the end of 2024, a program that will require incremental, multi-day shutdowns of the Red, Orange, Green, and Blue lines over the next 14 months.

 

The work involved will range from rail and tie replacement to reballasting to other forms of spot repairs. It will seek to address a recurring black eye for the agency that has seen the Federal Transit Administration issue safety directives over issues including track maintenance [see “Federal directives order MBTA to address safety issues,” Trains News Wire, June 15, 2022]; an extended shutdown of the Orange Line for track work that resulted in slower service than before the 30 days of repairs [see “Advocacy group says MBTA Orange Line service is slower …,” News Wire, Oct. 10, 2022]; and most recently, the news that much of the Green Line extension would have to be rebuilt after less than a year because of out-of-gauge track [see “MBTA Green Line extension … faces significant repairs,” News Wire, Oct. 19, 2023].

 

 

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[CNJRoss]

MBTA news release

 

MBTA Announces Ambitious Track Improvement Program to Eliminate All Speed Restrictions by End of 2024     

 

November 9, 2023

 

Program to fix tracks will deliver safe and reliable service for riders; MBTA to host public open houses across communities.

 

 

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) today announced the launch of its Track Improvement Program, a major, bold initiative to eliminate all existing speed restrictions and fix tracks closer to a state of good repair by the end of next year. This means that the infrastructure is structurally sound, functional, and meets all applicable safety and performance standards. The program is part of the MBTA’s broader efforts to “Rebuild, Restore, and Reimagine” the public transit system. 
 
The MBTA’s new program to fix the tracks will involve a wide range of work, including spot repairs, tie replacements, rail replacement, and ballast replacement. The MBTA will also be expanding its engineering teams and engaging specialized rail contractors to execute the work efficiently. The MBTA will schedule Track Improvement Program work during nights, weekends, and shutdown periods to minimize service, time, and cost impacts.     

 

“By restoring our tracks, we are addressing the root causes of the speed restrictions that have accumulated over decades,” said MBTA General Manager and CEO Phillip Eng. “Our efforts to rebuild track infrastructure across the Red, Orange, Blue, and Green Lines will improve train speeds substantially, reduce delays and disruptions, enhance safety, and deliver timely, reliable, and consistent service for riders. Our team is deeply committed to seeing this through and we thank the public for their patience as we move the T forward. We will have a robust open house schedule to ensure the public has an opportunity to ask questions and learn more about the various projects throughout the year.”  
  
Speed restrictions are limitations on the speed at which trains can travel to ensure the safety of riders and workers. Existing speed restrictions total 191 as of November 6. This year, the program aims to address 39 speed restrictions to further reduce travel times. Next year, by the end of 2024, the plan endeavors to revitalize over 27,900 railroad ties and 124,880 feet of track to improve safety and reliability. Over 208,000 feet of tamping (a process used to pack the track ballast under railway tracks to make the tracks and roadbed more durable and level) will help smooth riding surfaces and allow for more comfortable, efficient train operations for the public we serve.   
  
“From day one, Governor Healey and Lieutenant Governor Driscoll have been clear that a safe, reliable public transportation system is essential for a strong economy and strong communities. With this plan, General Manager Eng and the MBTA team are showing our clear commitment to tackling these challenges head on,” said Massachusetts Department of Transportation Acting Secretary and CEO Monica Tibbits-Nutt. “This is a bold and ambitious plan, but it is one that is necessary to ensure the long-term safety and reliability of the MBTA system. We are committed to working with the MBTA to make this a success.”   
 
Speed restrictions are used to maintain a safe and reliable transit system until remedied actions can be taken. However, they also result in additional travel time for riders. The MBTA is committed to eliminating speed restrictions more expeditiously, but it is important to note that some speed restrictions are put in place for safety reasons. The MBTA is constantly conducting inspections of its tracks to identify and address any potential areas of concern that may be identified.  
   
The tentative 2023 Construction Work Schedule is as follows:   

• On the Green Line:
  • North Station to Kenmore/Heath Street, Babcock Street
    • November 27, 2023 - December 5, 2023
  • Riverside to Kenmore
    • December 11, 2023 - December 20, 2023

 

The tentative 2024 Construction Work Schedule is as follows:   

• On the Red Line:
  • Alewife to Harvard
    • February 5 - February 13, 2024
  • Park Street to JFK/UMass
    • May 1, 2024 - May 8, 2024
  • Alewife to Kendall/MIT
    • July 8, 2024 - July 23, 2024
  • JFK/UMass to Braintree
    • September 3, 2024 - September 18, 2024
  • Kendall/MIT to Broadway
    • October 15, 2024 - October 20, 2024
  • Broadway to North Quincy
    • December 1, 2024 - December 6, 2024
  • Harvard to Park Street
    • December 14, 2024 - December 19, 2024
       
• On the Orange Line:
  • Haymarket to Jackson Square
    • March 18, 2024 - March 21, 2024
  • Sullivan Square to Back Bay
    • May 28, 2024 - June 6, 2024
  • Wellington to North Station
    • July 20, 2024 - July 27, 2024
  • Oak Grove to North Station
    • August 17, 2024 - August 22, 2024
  • Back Bay to Forest Hills
    • September 25, 2024 - October 5, 2024
       
• On the Green Line:
  • North Station to Lechmere
    • November 12, 2024 - November 25, 2024
  • North Station to Kenmore, Heath Street, Babcock Street
    • January 3, 2024 - January 12, 2024
  • Copley to St. Mary's, Babcock Street, Brookline Hills
    • February 20, 2024 - March 8, 2024
  • Boston College to Kenmore
    • July 31, 2024 - August 9, 2024
  • Cleveland Circle to St. Mary's
    • October 28, 2024 - November 2, 2024
       
• On the Blue Line:
  • Airport to Wonderland
    • April 9, 2024 - April 12, 2024
  • Bowdoin to Airport
    • After Revenue Service Construction Work (Night Orders)

 

The MBTA will host “open houses,” held in-person and virtually, to provide an overview of projects and allow riders, residents, and communities an opportunity to ask questions or share comments and feedback. Meeting dates and locations will be posted at mbta.com/events and shared on social media and with the press. Tentative, initial meeting “save the dates” are tentatively scheduled for:   

• January 8, 2024  
• February 2, 2024  
• February 20, 2024  
• March 2, 2024  
• March 7, 2024  

 

The MBTA will also provide regular updates to customers on the progress of the work and any potential service disruptions through various channels, including, but not limited to, in-station signage, social media, T-Alerts, and the MBTA website. Any project and open house schedule changes will be communicated to the public.   
 

The MBTA is in the process of finalizing alternate service options for riders, which may include accessible shuttle bus service, providing amplified service on alternate modes, and utilizing existing services like Commuter Rail options. The MBTA will share finalized details regarding these alternate modes of service once these plans have been finalized and confirmed. Riders will be able to find more information on service changes through in-station signage, in-station public announcements, and at mbta.com/alerts. Transit Ambassadors and MBTA staff will be available on-site to offer information and assistance during these service changes. Riders are also encouraged to subscribe to T-Alerts or to follow the MBTA on X (the site formerly known as Twitter) @MBTA for up-to-date service information. 

  
The Track Improvement Program is only one part of the MBTA’s overall efforts to “Rebuild, Restore, and Reimagine” the public transit system. The MBTA has been focused on recruitment, retention, skills training, and leadership development to cultivate the workforce needed to operate and maintain a modern transportation system. The MBTA has invested in restructuring the senior leadership team, improving safety protocols, engineering, planning, frontline teams, workforce development, and training to ensure employees are ultimately fulfilling their responsibilities in the most effective way possible.  
 
To date, the MBTA has exceeded hiring nearly 1,200 employees in just 2023 alone, surpassing a goal set by the Healey-Driscoll Administration, whose investment of $20 million in the supplemental budget supported the Local 589 Agreement, which was critical to the MBTA’s hiring efforts. 

 

  Statements of Support 

 

Executive Director of TransitMatters Jarred Johnson: 
 
“TransitMatters applauds the MBTA and General Manager Eng on the release of a long-term diversion schedule for 2024. For too long, diversions at the T have been announced on an ad-hoc basis with little notice. We’re happy to see the T aggressively resolving speed restrictions and giving riders more time to plan. We look forward to seeing a robust alternative service plan that gets better with each diversion.” 
 
Executive Director of Transportation for Massachusetts Reggie Ramos:

 

“The communication of a comprehensive, system-wide, year-long plan to address track issues is crucial and appreciated. We hope this signals for the MBTA a new level of transparency with the public especially as the work progresses. This allows impacted communities to plan their trips and activities ahead, and for municipalities to prepare for these shutdowns. We will continue to hold the MBTA to their obligation to accessible mitigation measures, their service delivery policy, and to safety.” 
 
Executive Director of LivableStreets Alliance Stacy Thompson: 
 
“This is the kind of practical, reasonable, and effective track repair plan the riding public has been calling for. The MBTA has demonstrated that it can quite literally get things back on track and Red Line riders are already benefiting from their new and improved track repair strategy. We look forward to working with the T and impacted municipalities to successfully complete this work in 2024.”  

 

A Better City President & CEO Kate Dineen:
 
“Today’s announcement is a critical step toward delivering the safe, reliable, and equitable transportation system riders and our region deserve. Under General Manager Eng’s leadership, the MBTA is taking decisive action to get the system back on track after decades of underinvestment. The successful implementation of this program has the potential to restore rider trust, bolster our region’s economic competitiveness, and promote more climate-friendly commuting options. We thank the MBTA and will continue to work with leadership to minimize impacts to riders and to maximize communications and transparency during this period of crucial rebuilding.” 

 

 

[CNJRoss]

WBZ News (CBS Boston), 11/9/23

 

MBTA hopes to have all 191 slow zone speed restrictions removed next year

 

BOSTON - The MBTA says it has a plan to remove all of the slow zones on the subway system by next year.

 

General Manager Phillip Eng presented the agency's plan to end the speed restrictions at a meeting of the MBTA Board's Safety Subcommittee Thursday morning.

 

Eng said there are currently a total of 191 slow zones in parts of the system that have wear and tear and other issues. He hopes to remove 39 of them before end of this year. The remaining 152 will be phased out by the end of 2024.

 

Eng said the Red and Green lines have the most speed restrictions. He called this a "pivotal time for the T."

 

"It's a big bold initiative but we've gone too long with years and years of disinvestment. (The) time is now to give the public back the system they deserve," Eng said.

 

 

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[CNJRoss]

Railway Track and Structures, 11/13/23

 

MBTA Launches Track Improvement Program

 

BOSTON – The MBTA is launching the Track Improvement Program, which seeks to remove existing speed restrictions and fix tracks by the end of 2024.

 

The MBTA announced that as part of its efforts to “Rebuild, Restore, and Reimagine,” it is launching the Track Improvement Program, which seeks to remove existing speed restrictions and fix tracks by the end of 2024. According to the agency, the program will include “spot repairs, tie replacements, rail replacement, and ballast replacement.” The agency will also expand its engineering teams and engage with contractors. Through this program, the MBTA will schedule construction and maintenance work in a way that reduces shutdown periods. 

 

Phillip Eng, MBTA’s General Manager and CEO, said that through this program, the MBTA is “addressing the root causes of the speed restrictions that have accumulated over decades. . . 

 

 

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[KevinKorell]

NBC Boston,  11/21/23:

 

 

     MBTA completes Red Line track work, removes 9 slow zones  

 

 

 

The MBTA announced Tuesday morning that it has completed track work on the Red Line between the JFK/UMass and Park Street stations, resulting in the removal of nine slow zones.

 

 

Story

[KevinKorell]

NBC Boston, 11/27/23:

 

 

  MBTA Green Line closures begin, riders say they're frustrated: ‘I do not like being late'     

 

 

Do you plan to ride on the Green Line? Then, plan for a longer commute, as the MBTA is starting service disruptions on Monday for the Green Line.

 

Entire story

[KevinKorell]

WFXT-TV, Channel 25 in Boston, MA,  11/26/23:

 

 

   First of nearly two dozen MBTA Green Line closures begin Monday    

 

A portion of the MBTA’s oldest line will be shutting down Monday for more than a week.

 

Whole story

[CNJRoss]

MBTA news release

 

MBTA Successfully Completes Expedited Critical Track Work on Green Line, Removes 12 Speed Restrictions

 

Posted on December 6, 2023

 

The length of two restrictions was also shortened between Prudential and Copley on the E branch.

 

Updated December 7, 2023

 

The MBTA today announced the successful and on-time completion of critical track work on the Green Line, which removed 12 safety-related speed restrictions – two more than planned. Additionally, two speed restrictions on the Green Line E branch between Prudential and Copley stations were shortened. A video featuring the work being performed within the tunnel is available on X (the site formerly known as Twitter).

 

Crews accomplished this work with unencumbered access to track areas while Green Line train service was suspended on the B branch from Babcock Street to Kenmore, on the E branch between Heath Street and Copley, and in the downtown area between Kenmore and North Station from November 27 through December 5 with the service diversion extended from North Station to Lechmere on December 4-5. 

 

“Repairing our infrastructure is essential to providing a safe and more reliable trip for our riders. Equally important is rebuilding public trust in our ability to deliver for them. Through close collaboration between contractors’ crews and our growing in-house Maintenance of Way staff, the MBTA continues to demonstrate a new way of doing business at the T and safely improving our tracks and infrastructure,” said MBTA General Manager and CEO Phillip Eng. “The MBTA is proud to have accomplished this most recent work on the Green Line with the public now benefitting from upgraded station enhancements and a more reliable trip thanks to the removal of 12 safety-related speed restrictions, which is two more than we set out to repair. I thank our riders for their patience and the MBTA team for their tireless efforts. We know there continues to be work to do and lessons learned will continue to be incorporated to streamline efforts and better serve the public.”

 

Crews performing track and tunnel work near Arlington Station.

 

This important work means riders will experience a more reliable trip on the Green Line 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 were also able to maximize the unencumbered access to Green Line stations by enhancing and upgrading station amenities like new flooring and lighting, further improving the customer experience. Among this critical work:

• Track and tie replacement work was performed on sections of the Green Line underground subway in the downtown Boston area.
• Important structural tunnel repairs were implemented on sections of the Green Line underground central subway with additional tunnel inspections performed.
• Decades-old switches, which had not functioned for two years, were completely replaced, providing more operational flexibility and better safety for operational personnel. 
• Flooring and stairs were repaired at Hynes Convention Center Station.
• Significant painting work was performed at Arlington station.
• Accessible boarding improvements were implemented at Park Street Station.
• Sections of overhead power wire were replaced in many underground sections of the Green Line.
• Additional E-ink signs were installed at the street-level on the Green Line E branch.
• Station overhead locations and stairway areas were inspected.
• Significant work was completed on signal system cables, switches, and power junction boxes.
• A critical pump room at Charles Street was restored to service with another at Church Street soon to be restored in the coming days. Two new pumps were also installed. 

 

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

Speed

Restriction

Number      Restriction Information and Location                                                             Status

549463   Eastbound between Copley and Arlington                                                              Removed

329396   Eastbound between Arlington and Boylston                                                           Removed

334875   Westbound between Boylston and Arlington                                                          Removed

550535   Westbound between Boylston and Arlington                                                          Removed

330367   Westbound between Boylston and Arlington                                                          Removed

549432   Eastbound near BU East on the B branch                                                              Removed

325606   Eastbound between Museum of Fine Arts and Northeastern on the E branch       Removed

524649   Eastbound at Brigham Circle on the E branch                                                        Removed

525852   Westbound between Prudential and Symphony on the E branch                           Removed

524566   Westbound between Symphony and Northeastern on the E branch                       Removed

525593   Westbound between Symphony and Northeastern on the E branch                       Removed

325612   Westbound between Northeastern and Museum of Fine Arts on the E branch       Removed

 

 

 

A variety of other in-station work also took place along the Green Line to further enhance the rider experience, including cleaning, sanding, and painting wood benches; performing tactile repairs; installing/replacing station signage; painting columns and ceilings at station platforms; painting stair risers, doors, and door frames; performing flooring/tile repairs; replacing lights; patching spalls on concrete columns; and replacing/cleaning light covers.

 

Crews performing work on the stairs at Hynes Convention Center Station.

 

 

Crews performed a variety of in-station work during the recent shutdown in Green Line service, including at Arlington station.

 

 

 

[KevinKorell]

masslive.com   12/21/23:

 

 

    MBTA finishes ‘critical’ track work on Green Line’s D branch, lifts 22 speed restrictions  

 

Attention riders of the MBTA’s Green Line D Branch, your commute is about to get a little peppier.

 

 

On Thursday, the transit agency announced that it had finished “critical” track work on the line, lifting 22 safety-related speed restrictions.

 

Update

[CNJRoss]

Trains News Wire

 

MBTA continues progress in eliminating slow orders

 

By Trains Staff | May 16, 2024

 

Latest work on Red Line removes 13 speed restrictions; systemwide count dips to 83

 

BOSTON — Recent work on the Red Line eliminated another 13 speed restrictions, the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority says, as work continues on its year-long effort to address the backlog of slow orders on its rapid-transit network.

 

The work saw the rail line shut down between the Park Street and JFK/UMass stations between May 2-10, with additional evening suspensions of service between Park Street and Ashmont May 2-9.

 

As of Monday, May 14, the Red Line had 43 speed restrictions covering 7.3 miles, or 15% of its length. That is down from 52 restrictions 30 days earlier. Systemwide as of that date, there were 83 speed restrictions on the four transit lines, down from 110 a month earlier, according to the MBTA’s speed restrictions dashboard.

 

 

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