MBTA begins work to accelerate Green Line safety improvements
The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority’s (MBTA) Capital Transformation Team will have a 12-day full access closure on the Green Line’s B Branch between Boston College and Kenmore Stations in both directions beginning June 20, through July 1, 2022, to conduct much needed track upgrades while also installing Green Line Train Protection System (GLTPS) equipment across the system.
Once the closure is complete, the team will have replaced more than 3,000 feet of track, four units of special track work and upgraded one intersection and one pedestrian crossing. A video discussing the upcoming improvements is available online.
“Safety is our top priority,” said MBTA General Manager Steve Poftak. “Having a full access closure such as this allows our team to complete a massive amount of work in a short timeframe. In doing so, we are able to accelerate construction and resume regularly scheduled service for all riders in a safe and timely manner. We know these kinds of service disruptions are frustrating, and we thank our Green Line B branch riders for their patience while we accomplish this important track and safety work.”
Most construction efforts will occur at Linden Street in Allston, the Washington Street Crossover in Brighton and the Cardinal Crossover located near Boston College. Crews will replace special track work as well as doing full-depth track reconstruction creating a safer, more dependable ride for B Branch riders. This closure is one of four that will be taking place across the Green Line this year. In completing one 12-day closure, the Green Line Transformation team saves six months of weekend diversions.
“Having this 12-day closure allows our team to enhance the safety and reliability of the B Branch at an accelerated rate,” said MBTA Chief of Capital Transformation Angel Peña. “Accelerating this work not only allows us to deliver improvements as quickly as possible, but brings our team one step closer to reaching a state of good repair across the Green Line.”
Alternative service will be provided for B Branch riders throughout the scheduled closure. Accessible shuttle buses will replace service from Kenmore to Boston College Stations. Shuttles will not stop at Warren Street, Allston Street or Packards Corner Stations due to inaccessible sidewalk conditions.
Capital Transformation follows a holistic approach to transforming the Green, Orange, and Red Lines. The program is aligned by six levels of transformation: Improving Safety & Bringing Infrastructure into a State of Good Repair, Enhancing Accessibility, Replacing Legacy Fleets, Increasing Passenger Capacity, Modernizing Rider Experience and Expanding Service.
