Massachusetts Gov. Baker provides update on MBTA's winter plan

Massachusetts Gov. Charles Baker late last week visited the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority's (MBTA) Caddigan Yard to give an update on the Boston-area transit agency's winter resiliency plan.

"The MBTA continues to improve its infrastructure and strengthen its ability to perform for riders during severe weather by investing in the core system," Baker said in a press release. "This resiliency work and the Fiscal and Management Control Board's efforts to deliver meaningful reforms, transparency and cost-effectiveness, will ultimately mean a more accountable and reliable transit system for [Massachusetts] commuters and taxpayers."

Baker's visit came as MBTA crews kicked off the second phase of winter resiliency upgrades on the Red Line.

In July, the MBTA awarded an $18.5 million construction contract to Barletta Heavy Division Inc. for the next phase of improvements on the Red Line. Under the contract, the company will perform upgrades along 9.9 miles of the Red Line's Braintree and Ashmont branches.

The work includes the replacement of all third rail and heating systems; track and tie renewals; and installation of signals, track structure and conduits.

Announced in June 2015, Baker's overall $83 million winter resiliency plan calls for a infrastructure, equipment, and operations improvements on the MBTA's Red and Orange lines. The upgrades are aimed at mitigating the frequency, length and magnitude of system disruptions during severe weather.

Baker unveiled the plan following severe winter weather in February 2015 that forced the MBTA to temporarily shut down some lines and alter service along commuter-rail routes for several weeks.