Green Line Track Upgrades (2022)
In 2022, we accelerated track work on all four Green Line branches. From June through October, we completed over 14,000 feet of track upgrades on the B, C, D, and E branches alongside work on the Green Line Train Protection System (GLTPS). Doing this work simultaneously reduced the need for future Green Line closures and allowed for the accelerated completion of both GLTPS and track renewal.
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.
Why We Did This Work
Many of the Green Line tracks were over 30 years old and had reached the end of their service life. Replacing this track improved safety and reliability, and provided smoother trips for riders.
Rider Benefits
- Safety: New tracks, ties, and ballast reduces the risk of high-impact events such as derailments
- Reliability: Fewer unplanned stops result in improved service
Work Schedule and Locations
Four full access closures were scheduled in 2022 to accelerate the installation of train protection equipment and track replacement. Before each closure, additional prep work took place on the work sites.
Service Changes
Bus shuttles replaced train service. Shuttles did not stop at Warren St, Allston St, or Packard's Corner stations. Riders could use nearby Washington St, Harvard Ave, and Babcock St stations as alternatives.
View B Branch Alerts for the latest information
What We Accomplished
- Track replacement from Linden St to Packard’s Corner station platform
- Linden St intersection and Fordham Rd pedestrian crossing
- Special trackwork at the intersection of Commonwealth Ave and Washington St
- Special trackwork on Commonwealth Ave between Lake St and Greycliff Rd
Service Changes
Bus shuttles replaced train service. Shuttles did not stop at Brandon Hall or Kent St stations. Riders could use either Fairbanks St or Summit Ave instead of Brandon Hall, and either St. Paul St or Hawes St instead of Kent St.
View C Branch Alerts for the latest information
What We Accomplished
- Track replacement in the tunnel from St Mary's St portal to Beacon Junction (near Kenmore)
Service Changes
Buses replaced train service. Route 39 bus service was enhanced with additional accessible buses between Heath St and Copley Station. Shuttle stops along Huntington and South Huntington avenues were located at the existing bus stops for Bus Route 39. This additional bus service schedule met or exceeded the frequency of the current Green Line E Branch schedule.
View E Branch Alerts for the latest information
What We Accomplished
- Track replacement between Longwood Ave and Brigham Circle
- Track replacement along Huntington Ave around Forsyth Way
- Track replacement at the Heath Street loop
Service Changes
Bus shuttles replaced train service. Shuttles did not stop at Beaconsfield station. Riders could use the C Branch from Dean Road or access the shuttle from Reservoir station as alternatives.
Parking lots at Waban and Eliot were closed during construction.
View D Branch Alerts for the latest information
What We Accomplished
- Track replacement and six station crossings at Woodland, Waban, and Eliot
What to Expect if You Live in the Neighborhood
Traffic, parking, and pedestrian impacts
During prep work and construction on each branch, lane closures were required near work zones on the following streets to accommodate construction equipment and materials:
- B Branch: Linden St and Commonwealth Ave
- C Branch: Beacon St and Carlton St
- D Branch: Riverside Yard
- E Branch: Huntington Ave, Longwood Ave, Forsyth Way, and South Huntington Ave around the Heath St loop
Parking lanes were shifted for local traffic and emergency vehicles as necessary. Some parking was temporarily removed to allow for the storage of materials and equipment, emergency access, and/or traffic detours.
Existing bike lanes were maintained. Crosswalks in work zones were closed as necessary, and alternative pedestrian crossings were marked with detour signage.
Detour signage was in place for vehicles and pedestrians, and police officers were located at key locations to ensure safety.
Prep work activities leading up to the full access closure took place from Monday, June 6 – Friday, June 10, and did not require a service diversion.
During the prep work the following traffic, parking, and pedestrian impacts were planned along the B Branch:
- Packard’s Corner to St. Lukes Road – Welding took place in the parking spaces on Commonwealth Avenue outbound collector road between Brighton Avenue and St. Lukes Road. Work was performed during revenue daytime hours between 7 AM and 3 PM within the temporary collector road lane closure. Temporary lane closures and detours were set up prior to starting welding
- Traffic heading Eastbound down Brighton Avenue looking to travel between Brighton Avenue and St. Lukes on the collector road were directed to take a right down St. Lukes Road
- Workers stored the rail strings against the curb closest to the Green Line tracks and blocked them off with traffic drums with caution tape running the entire length of the rail strings
Prep work activities leading up to the full access closure took place from Tuesday, July 5 – Friday, July 8, and did not require a service diversion.
During the prep work, the following traffic and parking impacts were planned along the C Branch:
- The left lane of Beacon St westbound was closed and the parking area was used for welding rail strings
- The left turn lanes at Kent St and Hawes St remained open
- The Kent St and Hawes St vehicle and pedestrian crossings remained open
Prep work activities leading up to the full access closure took place from Monday, August 1 – Friday, August 5, and did not require a service diversion.
During the prep work the following traffic and parking impacts were planned along the E Branch:
- The southbound lane and metered parking spaces on both sides of Forsyth Way were closed
- The left lane of Huntington Avenue westbound between Forsyth Way and Museum Road, and the Forsyth Way grade crossing were closed
Prep work activities leading up to the full access closure took place from Monday, September 19 – Friday, September 23, and did not require a service diversion.
Prep work took place in the Riverside yard and did not require any traffic or parking impacts.
Noise impacts
The Green Line track work included replacing rail and repaving intersections. The loudest work occurred when crews cut rails with a saw and tamped the track to the proper elevation.
We used several strategies to minimize noise disruptions to neighbors:
- Assembling track panels off-site
- Accessing work sites through the MBTA right-of-way
- Using self-adjusting backup alarms, silencers, or mufflers on equipment
- Limiting truck and equipment idling
- Lining dumping bins, hoppers, and trucks with sound-deadening material
- Using noise blankets and shielding where possible
We monitored noise levels and responded to all noise complaints received on the 24/7 hotline.
Recent Updates
Related Projects
This project is one of many we're working on to ensure twice as many passengers have access to a safer, more comfortable, and more reliable Green Line by 2030.
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.
Recent Updates
Related Projects
This project is one of many we're working on to ensure twice as many passengers have access to a safer, more comfortable, and more reliable Green Line by 2030.