MBTA completes E Branch accelerated improvements

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) successfully completed accelerated Green Line E Branch work during the month of August.

The full-access closure of the E Branch to accelerate construction this month was completed one day ahead of schedule in time for regular service to resume on Aug. 29. In 27 days, crews renewed 4,600 feet of track, improved 10 pedestrian crossings and upgraded the intersection of Huntington Avenue with Tremont Street and Francis Street.  

As part of the Green Line Transformation (GLT) program’s ongoing track renewal plan, crews utilized 24/7 access to accelerate construction and accomplish a year’s worth of night and weekend work in less than one month. The accelerated approach saved months of disruption and enabled a more efficient use of resources, allowing GLT to deliver safety and reliability improvements much sooner for the riders and communities served by the E Branch. 

“Working 24 hours a day, seven days a week, crews battled heat and a near-hurricane, and still were able to exceed the planned improvements and finish ahead of schedule,” said MBTA General Manager Steve Poftak. “From planning through construction, our Green Line Transformation team worked closely with community organizations like Mission Hill Main Streets and with local officials and stakeholders in the Longwood Medical Area to mitigate the impacts of construction while delivering improvements that will better serve the community for years to come. We appreciate the patience of our riders and Green Line neighbors as we accelerated this work to improve safety and reliability for all who are served by the E Branch.” 

The track renewal effort included an additional 600-foot segment at South Huntington Avenue and Heath Street as well as five additional pedestrian crossings, which were added to the ongoing construction after the project began to amplify the results attained during the planned service diversion. Adding this segment during the acceleration leveraged the alternate service planning and resources already on site to improve efficiency and eliminate the need for another service disruption in the near future.  

“Keeping connected to our riders and the community was an important element in the success of the accelerated construction. Prior to starting construction, GLT held a public meeting, distributed thousands of printed flyers in multiple languages and sent notifications via email and social media,” said MBTA Chief of Green Line Transformation Angel Peña. “We met regularly with stakeholders to understand their concerns as we planned for the work so we could minimize disruption. Throughout active construction we talked to community members at the Brigham Circle Farmer’s Market, met with local business owners, and encouraged the community to visit local businesses and restaurants, which remained open. We heard community concerns about the crosswalk conditions near Heath Street station and were able to address those during the planned service diversion as well as the additional track renewal.”   

With E Branch service suspended primarily between Brigham Circle and Heath Street Stations during the acceleration work, the Route 39 bus was free for those boarding between Heath Street and Brigham Circle. 

From Aug. 24 through Aug. 26, E Branch service was suspended between Brigham Circle and Northeastern Stations. The shift was required due to power section precautions as work took place in Brigham Circle. During that time, the Route 39 bus was also free for those boarding between Brigham Circle and Northeastern. 

Additionally, lane closures, traffic detours, parking space removals and bus stop relocations were required so crews could complete construction on Huntington Avenue, South Huntington Avenue, Heath Street and adjacent streets.