MBTA's secret to completing 4 decades of maintenance in under a year and a half: A sneak peek into the operations from transit leaders
In a significant milestone, the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) has successfully cleared a years-long backlog of maintenance work, as promised by its General Manager, Phillip Eng, in November 2023. This ambitious project, dubbed the MBTA Track Improvement Program, involved creative planning, new tactics, and countless long hours and late nights of work.
The program saw the employment of companies like Kiewit, Tighe & Bond, and Barletta Heavy Division. However, Barletta was dismissed mid-project due to delays, with another contractor replaced and not invited back due to performance issues, as decided by MBTA Chief Engineer Sam Zhou.
To beat its self-imposed deadline, the MBTA closed vast sections of its subway lines for days and sometimes multiple weeks at a time. Despite the disruptions, the MBTA scheduled work in a way to minimise disruption to riders, planning around special events, seasons, and the student population.
The repairs program was about more than just rebuilding train tracks, stations, and bridges; it was also about reestablishing the public's trust in the T. The MBTA undertook the repair of over 220 "slow zones," areas where deteriorating track conditions prevented trains from traveling at their full speed. By the end of the project, the MBTA had repaired over 248,000 feet of railroad, equating to approximately 47 miles.
Phillip Eng expressed his excitement when watching a video celebrating the completion of decades' worth of repairs in just over a year. The MBTA declared its network slow zone free about two weeks before the end of last year, while acknowledging that speed restrictions may still occur due to maintenance issues.
Remarkably, only one of the 26 shutdowns for repairs during the Track Improvement Program did not finish on time. The MBTA implemented penalties for contractors who finished work late, with a fee of $100,000 per day.
The repairs have resulted in a significant improvement in train speeds and travel times, particularly on the Red and Orange lines. The MBTA took advantage of extra time and resources to perform unplanned repairs on sections of track that were already shut down. Contractors were encouraged to collaborate closely with the MBTA, with a shift from a traditional "give us the work and then get out of the way" approach to a more partnership-oriented one.
The subway system hadn't been slow-zone-free in more than two decades. The MBTA repairs program was a testament to the authority's commitment to maintaining and improving its services. The program also marked a new era for the MBTA, as Gov. Maura Healey appointed Phillip Eng as the new MBTA General Manager in November 2023.
In the years preceding the maintenance updates, the MBTA had weathered a series of serious safety lapses, drawing the scrutiny of federal transit authorities. The successful completion of the Track Improvement Program is a significant step towards restoring the MBTA's reputation and ensuring the safety and reliability of its services. Eng stated that the budget for extra work and materials could be dealt with later.
As the MBTA continues its work this year, focusing on staying ahead of repairs before they become long-term issues, it is clear that the authority is committed to maintaining the momentum it has gained and continuing to rebuild public trust.
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