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MBTA Preparing for Next Weather Event on Friday

Posted on March 1, 2018

BOSTON—The MBTA is preparing for a powerful weather system forecast to hit parts of the MBTA service area tomorrow bringing high-speed winds, a heavy snow-rain mix, and predicted flooding in some regions.

With the safety of its customers and staff as its top priority and due to strong wind speeds predicted, all ferry service will be suspended from start to end of service tomorrow, Friday, March 2. Seating capacity on the MBTA Greenbush Commuter Rail Line will be increased tomorrow to assist in accommodating passenger who normally utilize ferry service. Regular Saturday ferry service is expected to resume on Saturday.

MBTA crews are preparing for this weather system in advance by making sure storm drains and catch basins are clear. With the risk of flooding and high-tide concerns, MBTA personnel are proactively pre-positioning sand bags to flood-prone areas at Aquarium and Orient Heights on the Blue Line, Fenway on the Green Line, and Salem on the Newburyport/Rockport Commuter Rail Line in order to deploy as needed and mitigate any water issues that may occur. Crews are continuing to test and check system pumps today and throughout the weather event with portable pumps pre-deployed in flood-prone areas. Crews will continue to be on standby to protect critical infrastructure and respond to all water issues systemwide that may occur within the stations themselves and along right-of-way areas.

Keolis crews will also have teams pre-positioned to ensure platforms and passenger areas remain clear. Teams will be deployed across the network to clear any downed branches as a result of heavy snow/strong winds, with additional precautions being made by Keolis crews in protecting key track infrastructure susceptible to coastal flooding. In addition to these efforts, teams will have pumps, generators, chainsaws, and over 500 sand bags ready to be deployed.

At Aquarium Station specifically, escalators and elevators on the Long Wharf-side of Aquarium sustained extensive water damage during the January weather event and are currently out of service.

With the exception of tomorrow's ferry service, the MBTA anticipates operating regular weekday service tomorrow. Scheduled weekend Green Line diversions on the C branch between Kenmore and St. Mary's and on the D branch between Kenmore and Brookline Hills this Saturday and Sunday will currently continue as planned.

Customers are encouraged to check the weather forecast and exercise caution during slippery conditions on platforms and in station areas. If MBTA services become affected by water issues, customers are also encouraged to visit our Winter Weather page, sign up for and check T-Alerts, and follow the T on Twitter @MBTA as well as the Commuter Rail @MBTA_CR, where all service updates and the most up-to-date service information will be provided.

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