BOSTON — The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority removed 22 speed restrictions, reducing travel times by about 9 minutes, during track work on the Green Line’s D branch that was completed in Wednesday, Dec. 20, the agency announced Thursday.
The MBTA also completed work during evening shutdowns on the Green Line extension between North Station and Union Square and Medford/Tufts that ended slow orders on the Lechmere Viaduct between Science Park and Lechmere. According to the MBTA’s speed restriction dashboard, a total of 36 speed restrictions have now been cleared from the Green Line in the last 30 days, leaving 38 restrictions covering 4.4 miles, or 8% of the route.
“I’m proud of our workforce as we have addressed nearly six miles of track infrastructure along the D Branch, giving our riders a smoother, faster, and more reliable trip,” MBTA CEO Phillip Eng said in a press release. “Through close collaboration between contractors and our Maintenance of Way team, the MBTA continues to demonstrate a new way of doing business and safely improving our infrastructure. We made a commitment to the public and I thank them for their patience as we eliminate slow zones and restore our facilities.”
The projects included installation of almost 2,800 ties, more than 4,750 feet of rail, and more than 48,800 feet of track resurfacing; replacement of ties and rail at Riverside Yard; regauging of a switch at Fenway station, along with replacement of related infrastructure; replacement of catenary wire near Fenway station; and a variety of station work.
Green Line is totally double track.
And when did this website turn into clickbait ad nightmare? OMG…
It’s interesting that there are still 38 speed restrictions in 4.4 miles of track. That equates to a restriction every 611 feet, barely enough time to get up to speed from the previous restriction.
Line is nearly entirely double-tracked. So assuming equal distribution by direction that might be every 1222 feet per average giving them enough time to get up to speed a little before slowing again–which from riding on the line is believable. Hadn’t thought of the MBTA’s restrictions that way before–but you’re close!