Lowell Line Commuter Rail Service Resumes After Somerville Equipment Malfunction
SOMERVILLE (CBS) – Commuter Rail service was temporarily suspended Thursday afternoon along the Lowell Line between North Station and Anderson/Woburn, making for a frustrating ride home for passengers.
Equipment being used for construction as part of the Green Line Extension project in Somerville malfunctioned, causing the delays.
Crews were working to build an abutment wall for the new Broadway Bridge. A drill rig became immobile near the Commuter trail tracks, so the MBTA set up diversions "out of an abundance of caution."
"Kind of grumpy. They said, 'Hey, take the Orange Line' when my train was supposed to leave," said Brent from Nashua, N.H.
Lilly Bren from Arlington said delays have become a norm for commuters.
"I feel like it's probably like once a week that I'm anticipating something like this," said Bren.
Quincy Pratt of Medford was similarly frustrated.
"I feel like they need to keep investing and upgrade it. Like I'm pretty excited, the Green Line extension, that's going to be good for the city. I think they need to invest. I'm all for public transit," said Quincy Pratt of Medford.
Service on the Lowell line was fully reported just after 6:30 p.m. The MBTA said issues are not expected for the morning commute.
