Photo: WBZ NewsRadio Archive
BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — The MBTA said it has finished signal upgrade work on the Red Line nearly seven years after the system was severely damaged in a major derailment.
The June 2019 derailment, caused by a broken axle, happened near the JFK/UMass stop. The power and signal systems, 200 feet of track, and the third rail were damaged. The T said in a press release that while repairs were done in the days and months after the derailment, signal and switch operations were still "limited."
The MBTA said it completed pre-testing Wednesday for Red Line signal work at Columbia Junction nearly JFK/UMass more than two weeks ahead of schedule. Some final work is also planned for later this spring.
"Operations will have the ability to quickly reroute trains as needed, turn trains around faster, and quickly recover after unplanned service changes, ultimately providing a better transit experience for riders," the T said in a press release.
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“We continue to push ourselves to accomplish essential work in a timely manner, striving to minimize impacts to the public," MBTA General Manager Phillip Eng said.
Some T riders said they were happy to hear about the upgrades.
"It's been probably about a half decade now, since they've had regular, or what I would consider normal, Red Line service," one commuter said.
Another said she likes the Red Line and was "delighted" to hear about the upgrades.
And as the cost of living continues to rise, some commuters say they are grateful for the Red Line because its better for their budgets.
"Can't really complain that much because it's $2.40 to ride the train. With the gas prices now, it's better than that," one rider said.
WBZ NewsRadio’s Chris Fama (CFamaWBZ) reports.