MBTA kicks off $12.7 million project to replace aging third rail, switch heaters

Today, track workers will begin to replace third rail and switch heaters along the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority's (MBTA) Orange Line. The work marks the start of a $12.7 million project aimed at replacing those components along vulnerable outdoor sections of the Orange and Red lines, agency officials said in a press release.

Old third rail components resulted in poor power transmission during servere weather, MBTA officials said. They also noted that existing heaters weren't able "to keep up with snow and ice accumulations."

Work will continue on select nights through July 16.

The third rail replacement project is part of Massachusetts Gov. Charles Baker's $83.7 million "Winter Resiliency Plan," which is aimed at addressing needed improvements to the agency's infrastructure, equipment and operations.