MBTA replaces track, preps for battery electric trains

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) and its operations and maintenance partner, Keolis Commuter Services, yesterday announced the completion of a $12 million, 28-mile rail replacement project on the Fairmount Line.

The work sets the Fairmount Line commuter service up to be electrified in the coming years, as proposed by Keolis and approved by MBTA's board in July 2024. Battery-electric locomotives will provide faster, quieter and more reliable service while producing less air pollutants, MBTA officials said in a press release.

Since June, Keolis maintenance-of-way employees have replaced nearly 158,000 feet of rail. The completion ensured that trains could continue operating during peak travel periods. Crews also completed deep cleaning, track clearing and drainage improvement projects during the construction period. The project replaced more rail than is typical across the entire MBTA system in a year, MBTA officials said.

The Fairmount Line will return to its normal schedule, with 30-minute service throughout most of the day, on Dec. 1. The Providence and Stoughton, and Franklin and Foxboro lines will continue running adjusted service schedules while crews work on a damaged interlocking that was damaged when a downed Amtrak catenary wire ignited a key signal bungalow in August.