Red Line Test Track Progress
Updated on July 25, 2019
We’ve been making progress on infrastructure investments that will help get new Red Line vehicles into service.
- Construction of the new Red Line test track is more than halfway done. The project includes installation of new track, power, and third rail.
- The test track, which runs parallel to South Boston Bypass Road, is scheduled to be complete in summer 2019. When it’s done, the first stages of vehicle testing can begin.
- An access and vehicle delivery track has also been installed for a direct connection to Cabot Yard to deliver, test, and commission new Red Line vehicles.
- Construction of the vehicle testing facility and preparation for the new power substation has also begun.
We look forward to the role these upgrades will play in bringing the new Red Line fleet into service.
Learn more about the Red Line Improvement Program
Photo Gallery
A crew works on the new vehicle testing facility, which directly connects to the test track. The facility has capacity for 2 vehicles at a time. (July 2019)
A crewperson crouches down to the track, using a tape measure to measure along the rail.
This new traction power substation supplies power to the test track's third rail. It's portable, so we can use it in place of our permanent power substations when future work arises. (July 2019)
Work on the access track from South Boston's Cabot Yard to the test track is progressing. (July 2019)
View from above of the vehicle testing facility and Cabot Yard 61 (June 2019)
Red Line Test Track looking south toward the Midland Bridge and Cabot Yard lead tracks (April 2019)
View of the Test Track looking south from West 4th Street in South Boston (April 2019)
View of Test Track looking north near West 5th Street in South Boston (April 2019)
View from above of the vehicle testing facility and Cabot Yard 61 (April 2019)
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.
Related Projects
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.