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

Posted on November 12, 2024

There are only four speed restrictions currently present along the entire subway system. 

Crews performed track replacement work along the Red Line. Complimentary photo by the MBTA Customer and Employee Experience Department. 
Crews performed track replacement work along the Red Line. Complimentary photo by the MBTA Customer and Employee Experience Department. 

The MBTA today announced the successful completion of critical track work on the Red Line while service was suspended between Broadway and North Quincy November 5 – 10 with service also suspended between Broadway and Ashmont on November 9 – 10. As a result of unencumbered access to track areas, crews accomplished important work to lift five speed restrictions, resulting in a safer, more reliable trip for riders. There are only four speed restrictions currently present along the entire subway system. 

Crews worked in critical track areas during this Red Line service suspension. Complimentary photo by the MBTA Customer and Employee Experience Department.
Crews worked in critical track areas during this Red Line service suspension. Complimentary photo by the MBTA Customer and Employee Experience Department. 

This service change was in place to support critical track and tie replacement work as part of the Track Improvement Program. Workers also maximized the outage by performing signal upgrades, security enhancements, station amenity upgrades, and more.  

Rail replacement work was accomplished along the Red Line. Complimentary photo by the MBTA Customer and Employee Experience Department.
Rail replacement work was accomplished along the Red Line. Complimentary photo by the MBTA Customer and Employee Experience Department.

With unencumbered access to Red Line stations, crews accomplished the following work: 

  • Replaced nearly 9,500 feet of rail  
  • Resurfaced and tamped approximately 7,920 feet of track  
  • Replaced approximately 26 ties and 143 switch timbers 
  • Replaced nearly 260 plates  
  • Completed special trackwork repairs 
Crews performed critical work along Red Line track areas. Complimentary photo by the MBTA Customer and Employee Experience Department. 
Crews performed critical work along Red Line track areas. Complimentary photo by the MBTA Customer and Employee Experience Department. 

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

Speed Restriction NumberRestriction Information and LocationStatus
Speed Restriction Number000079 Restriction Information and LocationNorthbound near JFK/UMassStatusRemoved
Speed Restriction Number000008 Restriction Information and LocationSouthbound near JFK/UMass StatusRemoved 
Speed Restriction Number000167 Restriction Information and LocationSouthbound near Andrew StatusRemoved 
Speed Restriction Number000168 Restriction Information and LocationSouthbound near Ashmont StatusRemoved 
Speed Restriction Number000169 Restriction Information and LocationNorthbound near Ashmont StatusRemoved 
Crews performed critical power upgrades along the Red Line. Complimentary photo by the MBTA Customer and Employee Experience Department. 
Crews performed critical power upgrades along the Red Line. Complimentary photo by the MBTA Customer and Employee Experience Department. 

A variety of other work also took place along the Red Line to further enhance the rider experience, including:

  • Repairs to the Braintree platform-area stairway and overhead walkway area at JFK/UMass, including shoring, demolition, drainage, steel and concrete work, and painting 
  • Overhead station inspections throughout the shutdown area 
  • Security enhancements 
  • Stairway inspections 
  • Replacement of a broken glass section near the escalator at Ashmont 
  • The completion of door surveys and inspections at stations along the Ashmont Branch 
  • Various track work at complicated crossover areas, including gauging, welding, insulator replacement, and removal of scrap rail 
  • Power and signal work, including cable replacement, removing and replacing approximately 15 WeeZee bonds, replacing third rail heaters along approximately 1,500 feet of rail, upgrading 15 welded bonds, replacing 10 track circuits, and more 
  • The installation of new signage throughout the shutdown area 
  • Cleaning of drain areas where needed 
  • Patching of concrete pillars on the outbound side of Andrew as well as granite panel installation within the busway 
  • Painting and station power washing work 
Work during this service suspension included Red Line track tamping. Complimentary photo by the MBTA Customer and Employee Experience Department. 
Work during this service suspension included Red Line track tamping. Complimentary photo by the MBTA Customer and Employee Experience Department. 

Riders are also encouraged to connect with MBTA staff at the following upcoming Track Improvement Program pop-up event:  

  • Tuesday, December 3 
    • Station Pop-Up 
    • Medford/Tufts 
    • 4 PM – 6 PM 

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