MBTA to begin accelerated Green Line D Branch track and signal replacement work
The Green Line D Track and Signal Replacement Project is being accelerated by the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority's (MBTA) Green Line Transformation (GLT) program to complete the most disruptive track replacement work by early fall 2021.
After this milestone, signal replacement and testing will continue through the end of fall 2021 when the project is anticipated to be fully complete. The signal work may occasionally be disruptive as crews move equipment on and off the tracks. The acceleration will condense the duration of the noisy trackwork, however, and reduce future impacts on D Branch riders.
The full access closure for 24/7 work will take place in two phases from June 12 through June 20 and from June 24 through July 2, ending before the July 4 holiday weekend. This accelerated approach will also ensure the entire project is completed on time to deliver the full benefits to riders.
“The full access closures of the D Branch represents the second major acceleration of GLT projects this year,” said MBTA General Manager Steve Poftak. “These accelerations are focused on shortening the construction timeframe and delivering benefits to our riders sooner, particularly as we expect ridership to continue to rise over 2021. Construction always brings some challenges to abutters and riders. However, acceleration condenses the period of disruption and allows us to work more efficiently. Once complete, the D Branch Track and Signal Replacement project will deliver safer and more reliable service for years to come.”
The Green Line D Track and Signal Replacement Project is a major infrastructure project that includes replacing 25,000 feet of track and 6.5 miles of signals on the Green Line D Branch between Riverside and Beaconsfield. While safe and functioning, much of the D Branch infrastructure was in need of updating. Prior to the start of this project, the signal system used elements from the 1950s and the track was approximately 30-years old. The benefits of updating these elements include the lifting of speed restrictions on some sections for faster service and mitigating the risk of service interruptions with a modern, centralized signal system.
“Not only will the D Branch work taking place this summer get the trackwork completed ahead of schedule, but we will also amplify the results we deliver during this acceleration period. We are working closely with the Town of Brookline to leverage access and allow significant progress on municipal projects at Brookline Hills Station, Brookline High School, and the Carlton Street Footbridge,” said Chief of Green Line Transformation Angel Peña. “We understand that construction is inconvenient and we are working as quickly and safely as we can to assure a smoothly operating ride for all of our D Branch customers by later this fall. We thank you for your patience and cooperation. GLT will continue to keep riders and the communities we serve informed of our progress as we accelerate the project.”
Acceleration details
Starting after the end of normal service on June 11, crews will work around the clock — weekdays, weeknights and weekends — for a total of 18 days to accelerate the construction and ultimately reduce the duration of impacts to our riders and neighbors. The work will take place for 24 hours a day.
During the accelerated work, the noisiest track replacement is anticipated to be concentrated in the Reservoir area and the Riverside area. Crews will be working along the project corridor between Riverside and Beaconsfield on catenary pole installations, welding of previously installed new rail, and signal replacement, some of which can generate noise. Crews will be moving equipment on and off the tracks in various locations. The public is encouraged to check the work locations section on the project website for the latest anticipated work locations. Work will include replacing nine units of special trackwork where trains switch tracks.
These closures also give other area projects the opportunity to complete major developments, including the Town of Brookline’s Brookline High School Expansion Project, Brookline Hills Station Accessibility Improvements, and Carlton Street Footbridge Rehabilitation. Other MBTA Departments, such as the Maintenance Department, may also take this opportunity to complete needed work on the D Branch.
