Mass. Gov. Baker highlights MBTA's progress on rehab work

Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker yesterday visited a work site in Ashland to review the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority's (MBTA) progress on several infrastructure upgrades.

Gov. Baker visited a work site in Ashland, Mass., to highlight the MBTA's recent infrastructure upgrades
Photo: MassDOT

In Ashland and along the Framingham-Worcester commuter-rail line, the MBTA is replacing more than 26,000 rail ties through early June, which will allow the agency to lift heat-related speed restrictions. Additionally, the agency has invested more than $600 million this fiscal year for state of good repair deferred maintenance, including an $83 million winter resiliency program; systemwide station improvements; and track, signal and power upgrades.

"Since last winter, the MBTA and its new leadership have undertaken a renewed focus on the important work of reducing costs and investing in infrastructure improvements to the core system that will ultimately mean more reliable public transit for commuters," Baker said in a press release.

As part of the winter resiliency work, more than 36,000 linear feet of heater element infrastructure have been installed to support the Red Line's third rail heating systems. Along the Orange Line, more than 200,000 linear feet of new wiring for third rail has been installed.