Tufts Curve and Speed Restrictions
While the MBTA addresses maintenance needs across the system, speed restrictions apply to certain areas of track to ensure rider safety. In these areas, trains are required to run at slower-than-normal speeds because of defects caused by track wear and tear or other issues.
One example of a speed-restricted area was the Tufts Curve, a curved track section on the Orange Line between the Tufts Medical Center and Back Bay stations. The Tufts Curve was a challenging area to repair due to physical constraints and the type of track fastener used to mitigate rail-borne noise and vibration. Instead of being supported by wooden ties and ballast (stone gravel), the track is directly attached to concrete using special fasteners called Cologne eggs that consist of steel pads encased in rubber.
FTA Safety Management Inspection Response
FTA Special Directive 22-04
During their Safety Management Inspection (SMI), the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) issued Special Directive (SD) 22-04 and found that:
- Since 2019, the Tufts Curve had been under a 10-mph speed restriction due to excessive wear and defects.
- MBTA executive leadership needs prioritized and actionable information about asset and infrastructure conditions.
- Due to deferred maintenance, there are speed restrictions across the MBTA system that need to be addressed.
Corrective Action Plans (CAPs)
The MBTA developed CAPs focused on the work of reducing speed restrictions across the system.
SD 22-04 CAP 3 is specific to the Tufts Curve area. From August 19 to September 18, 2022 the MBTA shut down the Orange Line to complete critical track and signal upgrades. This work allowed the Tufts Curve speed restriction to be raised from 10 mph to 18 mph. We completed the remaining work in June 2023.
SD 22-04 CAP 4 generally addresses the process to repair track defects.
| CAP | Status | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| CAP | SD 22-04 CAP 3 completed the necessary repairs to clear the speed restriction at the Tufts Curve located between Tufts Medical Center and Back Bay stations. | Status | Complete Read the FTA’s closure letter (July 17, 2023) |
| CAP | SD 22-04 CAP 8 creates a work plan focused on reducing the percentage of track under restriction across the heavy rail system. | Status | In progress |
Track Improvement Program
The Track Improvement Program is a major track repair and replacement initiative to eliminate all 191 speed restrictions as of November 6, 2023 and bring all tracks into a five-year state of good repair by the end of 2024. This program will affect track infrastructure across the Red, Orange, Blue, and Green lines to improve train speeds, reduce delays and disruptions, enhance safety, and deliver timely, reliable, and consistent service for riders.
We created the Track Improvement Program in direct response to SD 22-04 CAP 8.
Speed restrictions are used to maintain a safe and reliable transit system until corrective actions can be taken. However, they also result in additional travel time for riders. The MBTA is committed to eliminating speed restrictions more expeditiously, but it is important to note that some speed restrictions are put in place for safety reasons. The MBTA is constantly conducting inspections of its tracks to identify and address any potential areas of concern that may be identified.
