MBTA updates infrastructure improvements
Written by Maggie Lancaster, Associate Editor, RT&SMassachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) is using its increase in capital spending on system-wide upgrades and repairs. Following a 40% increase from 2016, MBTA says it's kicking its infrastructure improvements into high gear.
“We’re fully committed to our goal of increased investments in our system’s existing infrastructure by putting funds toward maintenance and repairs, resulting in better service for our customers,” said interim MBTA General Manager Steve Poftak.
Poftak recently completed site visits for multiple MBTA project job sites where crews continue infrastructure improvement work throughout the transit system.
Poftak visited the site of the Beverly Drawbridge Replacement Project, which is on schedule and nearing completion. Work to replace the replace the span is about to finish on schedule with weekday train service resuming on August 14. A 28-day shutdown of all Newburyport/Rockport Line service north of Salem was required in order to replace the swing-span bridge and conduct follow-up alignment and testing work, which will result in more reliable Newburyport/Rockport Line service. The MBTA had been running shuttle bus service to all stations with regular weekday train service resuming as planned.
Poftak also visited sites of federally mandated Positive Train Control (PTC) work currently taking place on weekends along the Newburyport/Rockport Line. This work has replaced weekend Newburyport/Rockport Commuter Rail service with shuttle buses July 8 through September 30 and all Lowell Commuter Rail Line service along the entire line August 5 through October 1.
Finally, Poftak visited sites along the Orange Line, where track work will be taking place along the northern section of the Orange information regarding MBTA infrastructure projects, visit www.mbta.com/getthere.
