Haverhill Line Rail Replacement
We're replacing rails on the Haverhill Line from late August through December 2021. This work will include delivery and installation of welded rail between Malden and Wilmington, MA.
Status: Under Construction
Projected Completion: December 2021
Why We're Doing This Work
This rail replacement project will increase the reliability, resiliency, and safety of the line. It should also improve riders' and abutters’ experiences by reducing noise caused by trains traveling along this corridor.
Project Features
This Commuter Rail modernization project is taking place in two phases.
Phase 1: Rail Delivery (Completed)
- Two trains, each approximately 2,000 feet long and carrying 80,000 feet of rails (160,000 feet in total), delivered rails along the Haverhill Line in August and September 2021.
- Rails were delivered to seven locations along the Haverhill Line.
Phase 2: Rail Installation (September – December)
- This phase, which mainly impacts Melrose and Wakefield, began September 7 and will continue through December 2021.
- Rail is being replaced and track is being surfaced and aligned from Fells Interlocking (a half mile south of Wyoming Hill) to Melrose Highlands. Some ties will also be replaced as needed.
- Ballast, ties, and rails are being replaced at Melrose/Cedar Park station over two weekends. Work began the weekend of October 23 – 24 and will continue November 13 – 14.
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.
Service Impacts Through December 2021
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Work Locations
The project is taking place along 11.5 miles of the Haverhill Line from the Fells Interlocking in Malden (about a half mile north of Oak Grove) to the Ipswich River Bridge in Wilmington (1.3 miles south of North Wilmington). Trains operate on one track while work is performed on the adjacent track.
This map shows the section of the Commuter Rail track being affected by the rail replacement project.
Neighborhood Impacts
Expect possible traffic delays at grade crossings within Melrose as work continues Monday – Friday until December. Delays at grade crossings may also occur during the weekend of November 13 – 14.
New continuously welded rails replaced between Wyoming and Melrose/Cedar Park stations, Tracks 1 and 2 (October 2021)
Barletta Heavy Division crew cleaning the right of way between Wyoming and Melrose/Cedar Park stations, Track 2 (October 2021)
Barletta Heavy Division crew replacing rails and ballasts at Melrose/Cedar Park station, Track 1 (October 2021)
Hi Rail Equipment crew removing old ties they’ve replaced between West Emerson Street and West Foster Street Grade Crossing, Track 1 (October 2021)
Contact Us
For all queries and comments related to the Haverhill Line rail replacements, please contact RailWorksHL@MBTA.com.
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Commuter Rail Positive Train Control (PTC)
PTC can automatically reduce a train’s speed or even stop it to avoid a collision or derailment. It improves safety and reduces human error on the Commuter Rail.
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.
Commuter Rail Positive Train Control (PTC)
PTC can automatically reduce a train’s speed or even stop it to avoid a collision or derailment. It improves safety and reduces human error on the Commuter Rail.