MBTA's Green Line Extension: Power Wire Failure Highlights Weather Vulnerability
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.