B Branch Track Upgrades (2023)
In 2023, we accelerated trackwork on the Green Line. In July, we fully replaced over 2,800 feet of track between Griggs Street and Packard’s Corner, and near Blandford Street Station on the B Branch.
Replacing this track helped address speed restrictions in the area and improve the overall safety and reliability of service.
Rider Benefits
- Safety: New rails, ties, and ballast reduces the risk of unplanned service disruptions
- Reliability: Increase speed for a more consistent schedule
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.
What to Expect if You Live in the Neighborhood
During construction, lane closures were in place near construction areas. Due to the required work, vehicles westbound on Commonwealth Ave were not able to turn left at Packards Corner, and vehicles eastbound on Brighton Ave were not be able to proceed across Packards Corner.
Parking areas were shifted for local traffic and emergency vehicles as necessary. Some parking spaces near work areas were temporarily removed for the storage of materials and equipment, emergency access, and/or traffic detours. To ensure safety, crosswalks in work zones were closed, detour signage were in place for vehicles and pedestrians, and police officers were in place at key locations.
Due to proximity of the Blandford work zone, the inbound shuttle and 57 bus bypassed Commonwealth Ave @ Hinsdale St adjacent to BU East.
Download our detour flyer for more information:
The Green Line trackwork included replacing rail and repaving intersections. The loudest work occurred when crews cut rails and tamped the track to the proper elevation.
We used several strategies to minimize noise disruptions to neighbors:
- Assembling track panels off-site
- Accessing work sites through the MBTA right-of-way
- Using self-adjusting backup alarms, silencers, or mufflers on equipment
- Limiting truck and equipment idling
- Lining dumping bins, hoppers, and trucks with sound-deadening material
- Using noise blankets and shielding where possible
We monitored noise levels and responded to all noise complaints received on the MBTA Improvement Work Hotline that is available to the public 24/7. To report a construction-related noise issue, call the system-wide project hotline at 617-222-4100.
Past Events
Contact Us
For all questions and comments related to this work, please contact the Green Line Transformation team at GLT@mbta.com.
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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.