MBTA Makes Significant Progress on Expedited Critical Track Work on Blue Line, Removes 19 Speed Restrictions

The Blue Line is currently restriction-free. 

For the first time in more than a year, the MBTA has less than 100 speed restrictions across the entire system.

The MBTA today announced the completion of critical track work on the Blue Line. As a result of unencumbered access to track areas, crews accomplished important work to lift 19 safety-related speed restrictions along over five miles of the Blue Line, gaining back over three minutes of travel time for riders. The Blue Line is now free of all speed restrictions and there are now less than 100 speed restrictions across the MBTA system for the first time since March 2023.

The success of this Blue Line diversion was achieved through the collaborative effort between contractor crews and the MBTA workforce – much of the work was able to be successfully completed due to the assistance and expertise of the MBTA’s Maintenance of Way Department. During the height of the work performed, more than 200 workers from five contractor groups alongside MBTA track maintenance, signals, capital, power, facilities, and logistics forces all worked across the Blue Line.

To accomplish this work, Blue Line service was replaced with shuttle buses between Maverick and Wonderland every day from April 17-21. Beginning April 22, the Blue Line service suspension was shifted between Airport and Wonderland. It was previously anticipated that Blue Line train service would resume on April 28, but the service suspension was extended two days to April 30 to allow crews additional time to complete the promised work. Evening Blue Line service was also suspended between Bowdoin and Orient Heights April 9-11. 

“Thank you to our riders and the communities that we serve for your patience and flexibility as we completed critical work to repair and replace track infrastructure along the entire Blue Line,” said MBTA General Manager and CEO Phillip Eng. “With each diversion, we are fulfilling our commitment to giving our riders the safe and more reliable trip that they deserve.” 

The important work accomplished on the Blue Line means riders will experience a more reliable trip with fewer unplanned service disruptions related to older tracks, older infrastructure, or power problems. Riders will also be provided with a safer ride as a result of this state of good repair work. 

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

• Replaced 22,500 feet of rail.
• Replaced over 9,000 feet of overhead catenary wire. 
• Replaced more than 10,000 ties.
• Installed 48 composite ties at trip stops. 
• Approximately 41,000 feet of track was surfaced and tamped.
• Replaced approximately 1,000 feet of full depth track.
• Replaced approximately 700 feet of restraining rail.
• Installed approximately 35 switch timbers.
• Repaired stairways at Wonderland, Orient Heights, and Wood Island.
• Performed station inspections and standpipe testing.
• Repaired the operator’s platform within the non-passenger area on Wonderland and operator’s walkway at Orient Heights.
• Replaced approximately 500 feet of fencing between Beachmont and Revere Beach.
• Repaired roof canopies at Wood Island, Orient Heights, and Suffolk Downs.

“I’m proud of our workforce and the contractors that have worked tireless hours making this our first line to be restriction-free after beginning the Track Improvement Program,” continued General Manager Eng. “Riders along this corridor rely heavily on the Blue Line as well as the many travelers that visit Massachusetts. While there is still more work to do across the system, they can now experience a shorter and smoother trip. We continue to make significant strides to perform this vital work due to the efforts of everyone involved and improved planning, scoping, and execution as we work to restore public trust to make the T the preferred choice of travel.”

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

A variety of other in-station work also took place along the Blue Line to further enhance the rider experience, including: 

• Cleaning, sanding, and painting wooden station benches; 
• Painting doors, sign frames, barrels, sand boxes, and fences;
• Door repairs;
• Yellow tactile edging repairs to platforms; 
• Flooring repairs to prevent tripping hazards; 
• Concrete repairs; 
• Wall repairs;
• Stairway upgrades and repairs, including handrail repairs; 
• Waste receptacle replacements;
• Pump room, plumbing, and HVAC maintenance and repairs;
• Cleaning and replacement of mile markers;
• Powerwashing and cleaning work; and
• Installing/replacing station signage, including system maps.

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