With the FBI headquarters moving to Maryland, there is an opportunity to expedite a Green Line extension to BWI Marshall Airport. The completion of the Silver Line provides a direct Metro link to Dulles Airport, making an airport link for BWI more viable. A Green Line extension would not only offer quick access to Maryland's largest airport but also lay the foundation for a possible branch into Columbia. While there are alternatives, bringing existing plans closer to fruition quickly is a significant argument for a Green Line extension.
The MBTA has identified the issues with overhead power lines that have caused recent disruptions on the new Green Line Extension and older tracks near Copley and Beacon Street. The failures on the new line were due to a broken overhead catenary system cutout, while the failures on the older tracks were caused by temperature swings that affected the static tension system. The MBTA is working to prevent future power problems by upgrading inspection technology and replacing sections of the overhead power lines.
The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) is considering a plan to fix the narrow rails along the Green Line Extension (GLX) as early as mid-November. Roughly two-thirds of the GLX rails were built too narrowly and need widening. The proposed plan involves making repairs between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m. for 10 to 14 nights, with the possibility of providing shuttle buses to replace train service during that time. The MBTA is committed to addressing the issue promptly and thoroughly, and the repairs are expected to be completed within a matter of weeks.
Power problems on the MBTA Green Line Extension caused a train breakdown near Lechmere Station, leading to shuttle buses replacing service between North Station and Union Square as well as Medford/Tufts. Around 80 passengers had to walk along the tracks. This incident follows recent revelations that parts of the new extension track are too narrow and require repair work, adding to concerns about safety and reliability.
Passengers on the MBTA Green Line extension were forced to walk along the tracks after a train was stopped for over an hour between Lechmere and East Somerville stations. This incident is the latest in a series of shutdowns and slow zones that have plagued the extension since its opening less than a year ago. MBTA general manager Phillip Eng announced that significant repairs are needed due to construction problems, with the track gauge being outside specifications. The root cause appears to be incorrect placement of the ties, causing inconveniences for riders. The extent of the problem is vast, and the construction consortium will be held accountable for the fixes. New leadership has been installed, and efforts are being made to restore trust with riders.
Somerville state representatives have expressed alarm over the six-week shutdown of the Green Line Extension, which will halt service between Lechmere and Union Square stations from July 18 to August 28. They are concerned that the alternative bus options provided by the MBTA will not be sufficient for Union Square riders, and are calling for additional accommodations such as more buses or shuttle services. The representatives also requested that buses be made free at Union Square to expedite boarding. The shutdown is necessary for MassDOT to repair the deteriorating steel on the Squires Bridge.
