MBTA third Green Line D Branch re-opened ahead of schedule

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) third and final Green Line D Branch full-access closure has re-opened. The completion of this service diversion will conclude construction on the Green Line for the year while also laying the groundwork for ongoing improvements to continue in 2023. Throughout these six service diversions across the B, C, D, and E Branches, teams replaced more than 14,000 feet of track and installed more than 150 components of the Green Line Train Protection System (GLTPS).

“When these closures started in June, Capital Transformation and the other departments involved began an extensive multiyear undertaking to modernize and transform the Green Line,” said Steve Poftak, general manager, MBTA. “Their work during these closures has put us on a path to success when the work continues next year. Further improvements will include additional track replacement and the installation of the complex GLTPS safety equipment.”

 The MBTA Capital Program’s Capital Transformation team kicked off construction on the Green Line with a virtual public meeting in May. During this meeting, the team provided details on the construction plans, mitigation strategies, schedules, and alternative service options for riders and the community for all six surges across the B, C, D, and E Branches.

 The 2022 Green Line Train Protection and Track Upgrades was broken up into six full-access closures:

•  B Branch: 12-day full-access closure from June 20 to July 1.
• C Branch: 12-day full-access closure from July 11 to July 22.
• E Branch: 16-day full-access closure from August 6 to August 21.
• D Branch: 25 days of full access, broken into three diversions between September 24 and October 28.

“Over the last year, our Green Line Transformation team has continued making vast improvements to safety and reliability across all branches of the oldest transit line in the country, and while we are thrilled with the progress made in transforming the Green Line during these closures, there is still significant work to be done in the coming years in order to provide a level of service that our riders, our communities, and our commonwealth can be proud of,” said Angel Peña, chief of capital transportation, MBTA.

In addition to surpassing the planned amount of track replacement and installation of GLTPS wayside equipment, other MBTA departments and partners were able to make additional improvements across the Green Line to maximize the results of the closures. These improvements include:

• The MBTA's Maintenance of Way team repaired track.
• The MBTA's Transit Facilities Maintenance team upgraded station amenities, including fence painting, station painting, lighting improvements, and new station maps.
• The MBTA’s Power Department repaired catenary wires.
• The MBTA’s Bridge and Structures team inspected bridges and tunnels along the right-of-way.
• Trees and vegetation were removed along the tracks to improve line of sight for train operators.
• The Town of Brookline progressed the rehabilitation of the Carlton Street Footbridge.
• Fishbach & Moore upgraded signals.
• The Longwood Collective (formally MASCO) planted trees along Huntington Avenue on the E Branch.
• Teams conducted surveys along all four branches.

While this third and final full-access closure wraps up construction on the Green Line for the year, there are still more improvements to come to deliver the best possible quality of service for all riders. Next year, Capital Transformation’s Green Line Transformation team will return to further progress the implementation of GLTPS equipment on vehicles. Over the next few years, the team will continue making improvements to Green Line infrastructure to deliver safe, smooth, and reliable service.

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 and bringing infrastructure into a state of good repair
•  Enhancing accessibility
•  Replacing legacy fleets
•  Increasing passenger capacity
•  Modernizing rider experience
•  Expanding service