Major upgrades at MBTA’s Orange Line Maintenance Facility allow for improved reliability, more frequent service

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority’s (MBTA) Orange Line Transformation (OLT) team has made substantial progress at the Wellington Yard and Maintenance Facility, as part of the MBTA’s Capital Transformation. 

The OLT team has rehabilitated the maintenance facility with modern fixtures and equipment, and replaced more than four miles of track and 55 units of special track work in the yard. As the only yard on the Orange Line, Wellington is responsible for the overall upkeep, maintenance and primary storage for Orange Line vehicles. A time-lapse video of the latest construction progress is available online. 

“Upgrades made at Wellington are fundamental to the delivery of reliable service for all Orange Line riders,” said MBTA General Manager Steve Poftak. “With a restored maintenance facility and yard, improvements will create safer conditions for MBTA employees while also increasing frequency for those who commute on the Orange Line.” 

Yards and maintenance facilities are critical for delivering quieter, cleaner and safer service for riders. Since the 1970s, Wellington Yard has not experienced any major renovations. Once complete, Wellington will have a modernized, state-of-the-art facility where vehicles will be washed, maintained and inspected. The yard will have all new track, including six additional storage tracks used to accommodate the expanded Orange Line fleet. 

“The advancements made at Wellington will not only improve service for those who depend on the Orange Line, but will increase frequency and capacity across the system,” said MBTA Chief of Capital Transformation Angel Peña. “The projected completion date of the yard and maintenance facility is June 2024. However, the Capital Transformation team is always looking for ways to deliver progress sooner. We are looking for ways to accelerate work at Wellington and plan on keeping our riders and communities informed as we advance these critical investments.” 

Much of this project’s success comes from accelerating construction with full access closures. Accelerated nights and weekends have ensured improvements are completed in a timely manner and in advance of the new Orange Line vehicles. At this time, 92 percent of the yard and 86 percent of the maintenance facility is complete, bringing the projected completion date to June 2024. The Capital Transformation team is currently reviewing ways to accelerate this construction in order to deliver these much needed improvements sooner. 

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 the rider experience; and expanding service.