Regular operating speeds have been resumed on both branches of the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority's (MBTA) Green Line Extension Union Square and Tufts. The action follows the MBTA's earlier requirement of a 3-mile-per-hour speed restriction, imposed due to narrow track detection which caused significant commute delays, as reported by the Boston Globe.
Given the recent construction of the $2.3 billion Green Line Extension, the swift introduction of speed restrictions was unexpected. This problem was identified during an inspection last month—the MBTA has subsequently rectified the issue and trains returned to regular speeds per Boston Herald's report.
Regarding the successful removal of speed restrictions and the completion of Somerville's Squires Bridge, MBTA General Manager Philip Eng said, "We are grateful for riders' patience during this period as we addressed the track defects and MassDOT completed their bridge project," per Boston Herald's report.
However, the primary cause of the narrow tracks is yet to be identified. According to MBTA spokesman Joe Pesaturo, "The T is set to determine the root cause of the track gauge-related issues," as per Boston Herald's report.
The satisfactory resolution of this issue demonstrates the MBTA and its riders' resilience, particularly considering the quick completion of the Squires Bridge project. Originally scheduled for 42 days, it was completed in just 25. Monica Tibbits-Nutt, Acting Transportation Secretary and CEO appreciated everyone involved, stating, "We’re grateful to MBTA riders, MassDOT engineers, and contractors," as reported by Boston Herald.
