Capital Transformation Programs 2022 Year in Review
Updated on December 21, 2022
As 2022 comes to an end, we’re looking back at the accomplishments the Green Line, Orange Line, and Red Line Transformation teams achieved this year.
We appreciate the cooperation and understanding of all our riders and the communities we serve as we work to improve the Green, Orange, and Red Lines.
Download the 2022 Year in Review PDF
Jump to a section below:
- Green Line Transformation 2022 Accomplishments
- Orange Line Transformation 2022 Accomplishments
- Red Line Transformation 2022 Accomplishments
Building a Better T
As part of our $9.6 billion, 5-year capital investment plan, we're renovating stations, modernizing fare collection systems, upgrading services for our buses, subways, and ferries, and improving the accessibility of the entire system.
Green Line Transformation 2022 Accomplishments
This year we completed two large construction projects critical to Green Line infrastructure that aim to improve the safety and reliability of the system. Our team also progressed projects in the design phase that will further improve the accessibility of the Green Line.
Green Line Track and Intersection Upgrades (2022)
Status: Complete
Over the summer, the GLT team completed 12-day full access closures on the B and C Branches and a 16-day full access closure on the E Branch to install equipment for the Green Line Train Protection System (GLTPS) and upgrade track. This fall, the team conducted 25 days of full access on the D Branch, separated into three separate closures, for GLTPS equipment installation and track upgrades.
Throughout these closures, crews replaced over 14,000 feet of track, 10 pedestrian crossings, and installed over 200 components of GLTPS wayside equipment across all four branches of the Green Line.
Learn More about the Green Line Track Upgrades (2022)
Lechmere Viaduct Rehabilitation
Status: Complete
Crews rehabilitated and replaced track on the historic Lechmere Viaduct, which carries Green Line trains across the Charles River and into downtown Boston. These upgrades strengthened the structure of the viaduct while preserving its facade and improved the service reliability between downtown Boston and Somerville.
In May 2020, the bridge was closed to support work on both the Lechmere Viaduct Rehabilitation and the Green Line Extension (GLX) project. Service between Science Park and Lechmere Stations resumed in March, along with the opening of the GLX Union Square branch. The Medford/Tufts branch opened for service in December.
Learn more about the Lechmere Viaduct Rehabilitation
Brookline Hills Station Accessibility Improvements
Status: Complete
In January, Brookline Hills Station reopened after the MBTA completed accessibility improvements. The team implemented these upgrades in coordination with the Town of Brookline and the Brookline High School Expansion project.
The improvements made at Brookline Hills further progressed the overall accessibility of the D Branch, and the upgrades are similar to what riders can expect from the D Branch Station Accessibility Improvements. Crews raised the platform heights, constructed accessible crosswalks and pedestrian pathways, and improved customer experience through upgraded lighting, signage, and security measures.
Learn more about the Brookline Hills Station Accessibility Improvements
D Branch Station Accessibility Improvements
Status: In Progress
This year, the GLT team reached the 75% design milestone for the D Branch Station Accessibility Improvements project and is approaching completion of the design.
A pre-construction public meeting will be held next year to provide the public with more information on the planned improvements, the construction schedule, and mitigation strategies.
Construction on Waban, Eliot, Chestnut Hill, and Beaconsfield stations is scheduled to begin next year. These improvements will make the D Branch the first fully accessible branch on the Green Line.
Learn more about the D Branch Station Accessibility Improvements
Newton Highlands Station Accessibility Improvements
Status: In Progress
The Newton Highlands Station Accessibility Improvements project approached design completion. Our team has continued to coordinate with the City of Newton, the Newton Commission on Disability, and the Newton Historical Commission to progress the design plans.
The project team will hold a public meeting next year to present the design to the community and to discuss the next steps moving forward as we approach construction.
Learn more about Newton Highlands Station Accessibility Improvements
Symphony Station Accessibility Improvements
Status: In Progress
This year, the GLT team approached completion of the design for the Symphony Station Accessibility Improvements project and began preparations for utility relocation work.
In 2023, utility relocation work will begin as the area is prepared for future construction of the elevators that will provide access to Symphony Station.
Learn more about Symphony Station Accessibility Improvements
Orange Line Transformation 2022 Accomplishments
In 2022, we completed a shutdown of the entire Orange Line, making critical improvements to return the system to a state of good repair.
We also continued rebuilding the Wellington Yard and Maintenance Facility, upgrading Orange Line Signals, and upgrading the traction power substations.
Orange Line 30-Day Surge
Status: Complete
From August 19 to September 18, Orange Line service was shut down so that crews had full access to complete critical safety and infrastructure upgrades and address safety directives from the Federal Transit Authority (FTA).
Over the course of these 30 days, teams were able to complete five years of work, improving track and signal infrastructure, station amenities, and new vehicle readiness. Crews replaced over 3,500 feet of track, 14,000 linear feet of rail, 20 units of special trackwork, 48,000 feet of signal cable, and installed Cologne Eggs near Tufts Medical Center Station. Teams completed two successful cutovers from the old signal system to the new system at Oak Grove and Malden Center. Additionally, service returned with all new Orange Line vehicles.
Learn more about the Orange Line 30-Day Surge
Wellington Yard and Maintenance Facility
Status: Substantially Complete
Upgrades to Wellington Yard and Maintenance Facility will increase service capacity and deliver safer, cleaner operations to all riders.
Crews have substantially completed the trackwork in the yard and have addressed all final punch list items. In the maintenance facility, crews have completed track replacement and modernized the vehicle facility to improve vehicle maintenance and reduce downtime.
Learn more about Wellington Yard and Maintenance Facility
Orange Line Signal Upgrades
Status: In Progress
The signal system is being modernized and replaced with new digital infrastructure that will improve service reliability, reduce headways, and renew the lifespan for the entire system.
This year, crews completed two successful cutovers to the new system at Oak Grove and Malden Center stations. These cutovers were completed during the 30-day Orange Line Surge. Crews are continuing to install and test new signal infrastructure at Sullivan Square and Community College.
Learn more about Orange Line Signal Upgrades
Orange Line Traction Power Substation Upgrades
Status: In Progress
Crews are currently working at Oak Grove to upgrade the traction power substation with new facilities and equipment, improving remote operation of the substation. Crews are installing a new communication circuit, and engineers began testing new software for the substations.
The new software will integrate with the MBTA’s existing communications system, and the new circuit will allow engineers to perform live testing of this software.
Learn more about Orange Line Traction Power Substation Upgrades
Red Line Transformation 2022 Accomplishments
The Red Line Transformation (RLT) team is working on the Red Line Signal Upgrades and have completed four successful cutovers from the old system to the new system. We've also completed the design for the Codman Yard Expansion and Improvements, and mobilization for construction has started.
Red Line Signal Upgrades
Status: In Progress
The Red Line signal system is being modernized and replaced with new digital infrastructure that will improve service reliability, reduce headways, and renew the lifespan for the entire system.
This year, crews completed four successful cutovers to the new system at Alewife, Davis, Porter, and Harvard stations. Crews are actively testing signal infrastructure at Central, Park, Downtown Crossing, Quincy Adams, Davis, Porter, and Ashmont stations.
Learn more about Red Line Signal Upgrades
Cabot Yard and Maintenance Facility
Status: In Progress
Updates continue at the Cabot Yard and Vehicle Maintenance Facility to improve safety, reliability, and service capacity by enhancing our maintenance operations.
At Cabot Yard, crews are working on drainage and duct banks, and are returning upgraded tracks to regular operation. To allow continued operation of the yard, only two tracks are taken out of service at a time.
At the Cabot Maintenance Facility, crews continue work on the installation of HVAC, electrical, and roofing upgrades in preparation for winter weather.
Learn more about Cabot Yard and Maintenance Facility
Codman Yard Expansion and Improvements
Status: In Progress
This past spring, the RLT team completed the final design for the Codman Yard Expansion and Improvements and the team held two public meetings: one in March to discuss the final design plans, and one pre-construction meeting in October to discuss the construction plans and project schedule.
We have met with several community groups in the area throughout this process and will continue to do so as the project progresses. The improvements made to Codman Yard will benefit all Red Line riders and the members of the surrounding community.
The project team was given the notice to proceed in November, and construction is scheduled to begin in early 2023.
Learn more about Codman Yard Expansion and Improvements
Related Projects
Building a Better T
As part of our $9.6 billion, 5-year capital investment plan, we're renovating stations, modernizing fare collection systems, upgrading services for our buses, subways, and ferries, and improving the accessibility of the entire system.