MBTA Board approves Red Line winter resiliency contract

Written by Mischa Wanek-Libman, editor
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MBTA

A contract worth $18.5-million for the second round of winter resiliency work was approved by the Massachusetts Bay transportation Authority (MBTA) Fiscal and Management Control Board (FMCB).

The contract, awarded to Barletta Heavy Division, Inc., will deliver a series of significant upgrades along 9.9 miles of the Red Line Braintree and Ashmont Lines, including the replacement of all third rail and heating systems, track and tie renewals, signals, track structure and conduit installations. Total winter resiliency expenses for phase two of efforts announced last year include the contract work awarded to Barletta along with MBTA staff work and costs for materials, engineering and procurement.

With the recent contract, MBTA has invested a total of $30.4 million in infrastructure upgrades on the Red Line in preparation for the upcoming winter.

“These critical investments in the resiliency of the MBTA’s core infrastructure and preparation for severe winter weather allow for upgrades that ensure more reliable service for the over one million daily riders who depend on the system each day,” said Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker. “The Fiscal and Management Control Board continues to make significant progress on reforming the system, delivering transparency, cost-effectiveness and accountability for both taxpayers and commuters.”

The project beginning this summer through December will include the following work:

  • Replacement of all 3rd rail and associated rail heating systems along 9.9 miles of the Red Line South
  • Track and tie renewal between Savin Hill and Fields Corner Stations
  • Signal trough and conduit installation between North Quincy and Braintree Stations
  • Track structure replacement at Quincy Center, Quincy Adams and Braintree Stations

“We look forward to building on the success of phase one during which miles and miles of new third rail was installed along outer portions of the Red Line,” said Acting MBTA General Manager Brian Shortsleeve. “Working in tandem with Barletta, MBTA forces will continue to make the upgrades necessary to keep the subway operating no matter what Mother Nature throws at us.”

The first phase of Winter Resiliency Plan improvements completed in 2015 included new third rail and rail heater improvements along 13.6 miles of the Red Line from the Andrew Station portal to Quincy Adams. The second phase of work will complete the third rail and rail heater improvements along the entire length of the Red Line South.

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