MBTA Makes Significant Progress on Critical Track Work on Red Line, Removes Six Speed Restrictions

Crews performed improvement work along the Red Line. Complimentary photo by the MBTA Customer and Employee Experience Department.

The MBTA today announced the completion of critical track work on the Red Line while service was suspended between JFK/UMass and Kendall/MIT from August 19 to August 26. As a result of unencumbered access to track areas, crews accomplished important work to lift six speed restrictions – five were planned to be removed with a sixth slow zone identified during the service suspension that was also lifted. The work accomplished will result in a safer, more reliable trip for riders with fewer unplanned service disruptions.

Crews worked in critical track areas during this Red Line service suspension. Complimentary photo by the MBTA Customer and Employee Experience Department.

“The infrastructure work accomplished on the Red Line between Kendall/MIT and JFK/UMass stations is another major step towards improving the reliability of the system and travel times for our riders,” said MBTA General Manager and CEO Phillip Eng. “We know service suspensions are challenging for the public, but the amount of work that needed to be done required this level of access to ensure that we safely and properly performed the necessary work in the most productive manner. This short-term closure now allows us to safely deliver more reliable, more frequent train service longer term, giving people back time in their day.” 

Track work was accomplished along the Red Line. Complimentary photo by the MBTA Customer and Employee Experience Department.

It was previously anticipated that Red Line train service would resume on August 26, but the service suspension was extended one day to allow crews additional time to complete the promised work following an incident involving track maintenance vehicles along the Longfellow Bridge.

Crews tamped and resurfaced track areas along the Red Line. Complimentary photo by the MBTA Customer and Employee Experience Department.

This service change was in place to support critical track and tie replacement work as part of the Track Improvement Program work. Workers also maximized the outage by performing signal upgrades, security enhancements, station amenity upgrades, and more.

Crews maximized this Red Line service suspension by performing additional work within the tunnel areas. Complimentary photo by the MBTA Customer and Employee Experience Department.

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

Replaced more than 9,750 feet of rail
Replaced more than 1,720 feet of restraining rail
Accomplished 260 feet of full depth track reconstruction, including the replacement of rail, ties, and ballast
Replaced more than 470 ties
Resurfaced and tamped 9,200 feet of track
Replaced 190 third-rail insulators along the Red Line
Installed more than 8,100 feet of cable hangers along the northbound and southbound Red Line tunnels between Broadway and Downtown Crossing
Removed and reinstalled 24 WEZE bonds
Removed and reinstalled approximately 2,000 feet of signal cable

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


Speed Restriction Number	Restriction Information and Location	Status
Speed Restriction Number	1. 000094	Restriction Information and Location	Southbound between Charles/MGH and Park Street	Status	Removed
Speed Restriction Number	2. 000035	Restriction Information and Location	Southbound between Charles/MGH and Park Street	Status	Removed
Speed Restriction Number	3. 000004	Restriction Information and Location	Southbound between Charles/MGH and Park Street	Status	Removed
Speed Restriction Number	4. 000010	Restriction Information and Location	Northbound between Charles/MGH and Park Street	Status	Removed
Speed Restriction Number	5. 000108	Restriction Information and Location	Northbound between Kendall/MIT and Charles/MGH	Status	Removed
Speed Restriction Number	6. 000158	Restriction Information and Location	Southbound between Kendall/MIT and Charles/MGH	Status	Removed

A variety of other work also took place along the Red Line to further enhance the rider experience, including:

Repairs to drainage grates, stairways, and columns at Broadway
Inspections and repairs to station stairways
Cleaning and replacement of signage and maps throughout the suspension area
Clearing drainage areas at Downtown Crossing
Inspections of pump rooms and the installation of pump improvements between Downtown Crossing and South Station
Ceiling and tile repairs
Inspections of nearly 300 overhead areas on stairs, escalators, and the Red Line level of Park Street
Security camera upgrades throughout the suspension area
Ceiling repairs and fireproofing work at Downtown Crossing, which would have been exceptionally challenging to accomplish during overnight hours when service does not run
Performing an assessment of locations and conditions of doors adjacent to the right of way
Power and signal modernization work
In-station painting, cleaning, and power washing throughout the suspension area

Crews performed important work within Red Line stations. Complimentary photo by the MBTA Customer and Employee Experience Department.

Riders are also encouraged to connect with MBTA staff at upcoming Track Improvement Program pop-up events and virtual public meeting. Events through the end of the year are below:

Wednesday, August 28
- Station Pop-up
- JFK/UMass
- 8 AM –10 AM
Tuesday, October 1
- Virtual
- 6 PM – 8 PM
- More information is at mbta.com/events
Thursday, October 31
- Station Pop-Up
- Broadway Station
- 8 AM – 10 AM
Tuesday, December 3
- Station Pop-Up
- Medford/Tufts
- 4 PM – 6 PM