MBTA completes much of Lechmere Viaduct rehab project

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) last week announced the substantial completion of the Lechmere Viaduct rehabilitation project.

The 110-year-old viaduct’s structure was restored and new track, signals and power were installed. The project, part of the agency's capital transformation program, was necessary for the future Green Line Type 10 “supercars” that will travel across the viaduct, MBTA officials said in a press release.

The Lechmere Viaduct connects the Green Line to Science Park Station in Boston and Charlestown Avenue in Cambridge. The supercars are expected to increase accessibility and deliver a modern riding experience, agency officials said.

"The Lechmere Viaduct rehabilitation project is an ideal representation of capital transformation’s vision of safety and state of good repair, accessibility and capacity," said MBTA Chief of Capital Transformation Angel Pena.

Over the project's two-year construction period, crews reinforced all 12 spans with carbon fiber wrap, renewed 3,500 feet of track and 70,000 feet of signals, replaced the overhead catenary system and completed accessibility upgrades at Science Park.