MBTA contractor proposes overnight shutdown to fix Green Line Extension tracks
BOSTON - In its first meeting since General Manager Phillip Eng revealed serious issues with the tracks along 65% of the Green Line extension, the MBTA Advisory Board heard from Eng about the issues and the plan to fix it.
Eng explained that the gauges along the tracks were pre-made too tight, leading the rails to be a fraction of an inch too close together along a large portion of the brand-new extension. While the rails are only about a credit card width too close together, the mistake was enough to warrant slowing the trains down to walking speed for a number of weeks.
Eng revealed not only the issue that he learned about in the last month but told journalists and the public that prior MBTA administration and those working on the project were aware of these issues as early as April 2021, but did not pass along the message.
Eng had promised he would hold the contractor who worked on the project accountable for the mistake. The MBTA tells WBZ that the contractors are cooperating with fixing the incorrect rail.
So, what's the fix? The contractors have proposed a 10 to 14 day overnight shutdown, from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. with shuttle buses replacing service in the evening hours. Eng told the advisory board that would be enough time to replace all of the incorrect tracks.
"It's not months, it's not years to address this," he said. The proposed start date for the fix is November 1.
The MBTA is still reviewing this proposal, so it is not definite.
City advocates and regular riders showed up to the meeting to get answers. While frustrated by another MBTA setback, many seem optimistic due to new leadership. "We are grateful to the general manager, for being honest, and telling us the truth," said Caitlin Allen-Connolly, who is a member of A Better City of Boston. "I think it's very concerning when we learn the former administration and people running the team knew about the problem and I think it's put the general manager behind in terms of what he can do."