4 replies to this topic

[KevinKorell]

MBTA Prepares for Hurricane Irene

Start Date: 08/26/2011

The MBTA is tracking Hurricane Irene closely to determine the impact of the storm on our service. While forecasts are changing almost hourly, the MBTA is preparing for the impact of the storm beginning late Saturday through Monday morning. Deploying extra personnel and equipment throughout the system, the MBTA is making every effort to prevent any disruptions in service. Work crews are ready to respond to any storm-related issues that may emerge.

Throughout the storm, safety is our top priority. For MBTA service updates or alerts, please visit MBTA.com or follow the MBTA on Twitter @MBTAGM. Customers interested in receiving text or e-mail updates may sign up for T-Alerts.

Please check http://www.MBTA.com/ for regular updates.

Customer Safety Tips
• Check weather forecasts before going out and limit travel at the height of the storm
• Use caution on wet surfaces, especially platforms, stairs, and escalators
• At outdoor stations, take cover if possible especially due to high winds forecasted during the storm

[KevinKorell]

And here's an e-mail received from MBCR:

To All of Our Customers on All Lines
Hurricane Irene Service Advisory

Based on current weather reports, MBCR advises all customers of the potential for service delays, cancellations and/or temporary service suspension on all lines, on Sunday, August 29th and Monday, August 30th.

Accordingly, MBCR s advises customers to make frequent checks of service alerts/advisories on http://www.mbta.com/ for updated travel information before making travel plans on Sunday and continuing through Monday.

While it is too early to predict the severity of the storm’s effect in our area, the extent of potential service disruption is tied to the path of Hurricane Irene. Potential problems include the falling of trees and/or other debris onto the tracks; flooding of tracks; and damage to equipment and track systems.

MBCR has assigned crews and equipment to be on standby to clear debris as quickly and safely as possible. MBCR engineering crews will inspect and monitor known flood locations throughout the storm.

MBCR will continue to stockpile material and make all necessary arrangements throughout the weekend in order to be prepared for the impact of Hurricane Irene and recovery of commuter rail service after the storm subsides. Additionally, MBCR managers will be in place to respond to any area that experiences a weather-related service disruption.

No agency can respond alone to an event such as a major hurricane. MBCR is working closely with Governor Patrick’s staff, MassDOT, the MBTA, MEMA, and the U.S. Coast Guard to identify problems as they arise and coordinate a swift, safe response.

Throughout the weekend, MBCR will have additional staff working to ensure delivery of accurate, timely messages through all available communication channels, including T Alerts, LED message boards, and social media streams. Please note all communication channels are subject to system availability in the event of power outages.

In closing, MBCR thanks all customers in advance for their patience as staff work to address the potential impacts of Hurricane Irene. Our team will do everything possible to minimize service delays while ensuring the safety of passengers and employees.

[EdFindlay]

ALL MBTA service cancelled due to the incoming hurricane on 8/28/11: http://www.mbta.com/...v...onth=&year=

[KevinKorell]

Latest e-mail from MBCR:

Full Service Anticipated for all MBTA Commuter Rail lines

MBCR is pleased to report that full restoration of MBTA Commuter Rail service is anticipated on a normal weekday schedule for the morning commute on Monday, August 29th following Hurricane/Tropical Storm Irene.

While service is expected commence on a regular schedule, all customers on all lines are urged to seek updates on service at www.mbta.com, www.mbcr.net and MBTA "T Alerts" as the removal of downed trees and restoration of signals in areas affected by power outages may lead to delays in service.

MBCR crews have worked around the clock in response to Irene, which created widespread public safety issues, including downed trees, power outages, and flooding. Using all available staff across the 650-mile long commuter rail system, crews have labored to remove trees, pump out flooded track areas, and clear debris across the commuter rail system to ensure a swift restoration of safe, reliable service.

To keep you fully informed, MBCR has provided additional staff to ensure delivery of accurate, timely messages through all available communication channels, including "T Alerts", LED message boards, and social media streams. Please note that all electronic communication channels are subject to system availability in the event of power outages.

In closing, MBCR appreciates customers' patience in the wake of service suspension on Sunday, August 28th due to stormy conditions. Thank you for your patience. All customers on all lines are urged to seek updates on service at http://www.mbta.com/ , http://www.mbcr.net/ and MBTA "T Alerts" and possible delays as MBCR crews continue to clean up after the storm. Thank you.

[KevinKorell]

Latest e-mail from MBCR:

Commuter Rail Service Update following Hurricane Irene

MBCR is pleased to report that we have made substantial progress in restoring commuter rail service in the wake of Hurricane Irene. We anticipate that all service interruptions resulting from commercial power outages will be resolved by Monday, September 5th, 2011.

Since the first day that weather forecasters announced the possibility that Irene posed a threat to Massachusetts, MBCR’s management team began mobilizing crew and equipment to restore service immediately following the storm.

MBCR engineering crews spent the entire day on Sunday pumping water from flood-prone track areas which allowed service to operate on a regular weekday schedule beginning on Monday. Earlier, MBCR crews placed generators at strategic locations across the 650 mile rail system, allowing staff to effectively provide power to essential signal systems. In addition to removing more than 200 trees that obstructed the rail system, MBCR has repaired dozens of fences and other infrastructure damaged during the storm, logging more than 15,000-plus staff hours during the storm response.

MBCR appreciates your continued patience as our team labors to restore full service.

Thank you for riding the commuter rail.