MBTA Board Approves $18.5 Million for Red Line Winter Resiliency and Infrastructure

BOSTON – The MBTA Fiscal and Management Control Board (FMCB) today unanimously approved the awarding of a $18.5 million construction contract for the next phase of Red Line Winter Resiliency improvements announced by the Baker-Polito Administration last year, amounting to $30.4 million total for infrastructure upgrades in preparation for the upcoming winter.

"These critical investments in the resiliency of the MBTA’s core infrastructure and preparation for severe winter weather allow for upgrades that ensure more reliable service for the over one million daily riders who depend on the system each day," said Governor Charlie Baker. "The Fiscal and Management Control Board continues to make significant progress on reforming the system, delivering transparency, cost-effectiveness and accountability for both taxpayers and commuters."

The $18.5 million contract awarded to Barletta Heavy Division, Inc., will deliver a series of significant upgrades along 9.9 miles of the Red Line Braintree and Ashmont Lines, including the replacement of all third rail and heating systems, track and tie renewals, signals, track structure and conduit installations. Total winter resiliency expenses for phase two of efforts announced last year include the contract work awarded to Barletta along with MBTA staff work and costs for materials, engineering, and procurement.

"We look forward to building on the success of phase one during which miles and miles of new third rail was installed along outer portions of the Red Line," said Acting MBTA General Manager Brian Shortsleeve. "Working in tandem with Barletta, MBTA forces will continue to make the upgrades necessary to keep the subway operating no matter what Mother Nature throws at us."

The project beginning this summer through December will include the following work:

Replacement of all 3rd rail and associated rail heating systems along 9.9 miles of the Red Line South
Track and tie renewal between Savin Hill and Fields Corner Stations
Signal trough and conduit installation between North Quincy and Braintree Stations
Track structure replacement at Quincy Center, Quincy Adams and Braintree Stations

The first phase of Winter Resiliency Plan improvements completed in 2015 included new 3rd rail and Rail Heater improvements along 13.6 miles of the Red Line from the Andrew Station portal to Quincy Adams. The next phase of work starting now will complete the 3rd rail and rail heater improvements along the entire length of the Red Line South.

To accommodate the winter resiliency work this fall, buses will replace train service on the following weekends:
Braintree Branch: Sept. 10-12, Sept. 24-26, Oct. 1-3, Oct. 8-10, Oct. 15-17, Dec. 3-5,
Ashmont Branch: Oct. 22-24, Dec. 10-12, Dec 17-19

As is customary, the MBTA will keep customers informed of service changes on mbta.com, through T Alerts, and on Twitter @mbta.

The MBTA Winter Resiliency Plan announced by the Baker-Polito Administration in 2015 focused on Infrastructure, Equipment, and Operations improvements on the Red Line and Orange Line to more effectively mitigate the frequency, length and magnitude of system disruptions to public transit during severe weather.

The next phase Winter Resiliency Improvement Program presentation is available on the MBTA Fiscal and Management Control Board web page at the following link:
http://www.mbta.com/uploadedfiles/About_the_T/Board_Meetings/RedLineResiliency-072516.pdf