MBTA Successfully Completes Track Work on Red Line, Removes Five Critical Speed Restrictions

There are only four speed restrictions currently present along the entire subway system.

Crews performed track replacement work along the Red Line. Complimentary photo by the MBTA Customer and Employee Experience Department.

The MBTA today announced the successful completion of critical track work on the Red Line while service was suspended between Broadway and North Quincy November 5 – 10 with service also suspended between Broadway and Ashmont on November 9 – 10. As a result of unencumbered access to track areas, crews accomplished important work to lift five speed restrictions, resulting in a safer, more reliable trip for riders. There are only four speed restrictions currently present along the entire subway system.

Crews worked in critical track areas during this Red Line service suspension. Complimentary photo by the MBTA Customer and Employee Experience Department.

This service change was in place to support critical track and tie replacement work as part of the Track Improvement Program. Workers also maximized the outage by performing signal upgrades, security enhancements, station amenity upgrades, and more.

Rail replacement work was accomplished along the Red Line. Complimentary photo by the MBTA Customer and Employee Experience Department.

With unencumbered access to Red Line stations, crews accomplished the following work:

Replaced nearly 9,500 feet of rail 
Resurfaced and tamped approximately 7,920 feet of track 
Replaced approximately 26 ties and 143 switch timbers
Replaced nearly 260 plates
Completed special trackwork repairs

Crews performed critical work along Red Line track areas. Complimentary photo by the MBTA Customer and Employee Experience Department.

As a result of this critical work, the following safety-related speed restrictions are no longer in place:


Speed Restriction Number	Restriction Information and Location	Status
Speed Restriction Number	000079	Restriction Information and Location	Northbound near JFK/UMass	Status	Removed
Speed Restriction Number	000008	Restriction Information and Location	Southbound near JFK/UMass	Status	Removed
Speed Restriction Number	000167	Restriction Information and Location	Southbound near Andrew	Status	Removed
Speed Restriction Number	000168	Restriction Information and Location	Southbound near Ashmont	Status	Removed
Speed Restriction Number	000169	Restriction Information and Location	Northbound near Ashmont	Status	Removed

Crews performed critical power upgrades along the Red Line. Complimentary photo by the MBTA Customer and Employee Experience Department.

A variety of other work also took place along the Red Line to further enhance the rider experience, including:

Repairs to the Braintree platform-area stairway and overhead walkway area at JFK/UMass, including shoring, demolition, drainage, steel and concrete work, and painting
Overhead station inspections throughout the shutdown area
Security enhancements
Stairway inspections
Replacement of a broken glass section near the escalator at Ashmont
The completion of door surveys and inspections at stations along the Ashmont Branch
Various track work at complicated crossover areas, including gauging, welding, insulator replacement, and removal of scrap rail
Power and signal work, including cable replacement, removing and replacing approximately 15 WeeZee bonds, replacing third rail heaters along approximately 1,500 feet of rail, upgrading 15 welded bonds, replacing 10 track circuits, and more
The installation of new signage throughout the shutdown area
Cleaning of drain areas where needed
Patching of concrete pillars on the outbound side of Andrew as well as granite panel installation within the busway
Painting and station power washing work