North Station Terminal Area Signal System Improvement Project

A yellow-painted riveted steel drawbridge hovers over an empty track at a North Station drawbridge. Signal lights with curved black metal over their tops shielding them from direct sunlight are next to the bridge at right. — Signals at a drawbridge at North Station (November 2021)

We are replacing the obsolete signal system that controls the movement of MBTA Commuter Rail and Amtrak trains in and out of North Station. A new, state-of-the-art microprocessor system will require less maintenance and reduce failures and train delays.

Although the project limits span about one linear mile, this area includes a complex network of tracks and switches that connect the station tracks at North Station, five major Commuter Rail lines, and the Boston Engine Terminal, where trains are stored and maintained.

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.

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Construction contract awarded: July 2019
Projected completion: August 2023
Budget: $45.2 million
Status: Construction

Why We’re Doing this Work

We’re upgrading the signal system to improve the reliability and resiliency of service at North Station. The new signals will improve efficiency and safety, and will support the future growth of the MBTA and Amtrak.

Project features

This project is part of a larger initiative to enhance train capacity at North Station
Work will be done in conjunction with a future project that will replace the drawbridge over the Charles River—both projects will allow use of all 12 North Station tracks
Includes installation of two new crossovers, to allow more train routing options