MBTA Successfully Completes Expedited Critical Track Work on Red Line, Removes 8 Speed Restrictions

The MBTA today announced the successful and on-time completion of critical track work on the Red Line, which removed 8 safety-related speed restrictions. Crews accomplished this critical work due to unencumbered access to track areas while Red Line service was suspended between Alewife and Harvard stations for 10 days from February 5-14. In the evenings beginning at approximately 8:45 PM during the same period from February 5-14, the Red Line service suspension was extended to Park Street (meaning evening service was suspended between Alewife and Park Street).

Crews repaired concrete slabs along the Red Line track area. Complimentary photo by the MBTA Customer and Employee Experience Department.

“We are committed to rebuilding our infrastructure, and the amount of work we were able to accomplish will improve service and reduce travel time along the Red Line,” said MBTA General Manager and CEO Phillip Eng. “This is another major step in the right direction. While we successfully completed the work and eliminated these speed restrictions, we continually look for lessons learned to minimize impacts as we move forward and accomplish even more work during future outages. I thank our riders and the communities we serve for their patience and support. Thank you also to the MBTA team working side by side with contractor crews to deliver the results we promised.”

This important work means riders will experience a more reliable trip on the Red 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 performed track work on the Red Line. Complimentary photo by the MBTA Customer and Employee Experience Department.

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

Among this critical work:

2,500 feet of rail was installed.
Successfully removed and replaced dozens of signal bonds, reinstalled approximately 3,500 feet of signal cable, and performed work on many track circuits within the diversion area.
Installed one switch and performed additional rail work.
Regauged the third rail and other rail work at the Alewife crossover.
Performed tunnel inspections along the southbound track between Harvard and Central stations, making repairs as needed.
Performed repairs to ceiling areas throughout Davis station.
Performed hands-on inspections of Alewife, Porter, and Davis stations.
Performed signal modernization work at Alewife, Davis, Porter, and Harvard stations.
Installed a new standpipe at Kendall/MIT station.
Accomplished security camera improvements at Alewife, Porter, and Davis stations.

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

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
Speed Restriction Number	1. 523856	Restriction Information and Location	Southbound between Davis and Porter	Status	Removed
Speed Restriction Number	2. 524604	Restriction Information and Location	Southbound between Alewife and Davis	Status	Removed
Speed Restriction Number	3. 541153	Restriction Information and Location	Southbound between Alewife and Davis	Status	Removed
Speed Restriction Number	4. 523853	Restriction Information and Location	Northbound between Davis and Alewife	Status	Removed
Speed Restriction Number	5. 523855	Restriction Information and Location	Southbound between Alewife and Davis	Status	Removed
Speed Restriction Number	6. 000110	Restriction Information and Location	Northbound between Davis and Alewife	Status	Removed
Speed Restriction Number	7. 570703	Restriction Information and Location	Southbound between Alewife and Davis	Status	Removed
Speed Restriction Number	8. 524603	Restriction Information and Location	Southbound between Alewife and Davis	Status	Removed

A variety of other in-station work also took place along the Red Line to further enhance the rider experience, including cleaning, sanding, and painting wooden station benches; yellow tactile edging repairs to platforms; flooring and tile repairs; concrete repairs; stairway upgrades and repairs, including handrail repairs; waste receptacle replacements; plumbing and HVAC maintenance; installing/replacing station signage; and more.