MBTA Awards $18M Red Line Winter Improvements Contract

The MBTA Fiscal and Management Control Board has approved an $18.5 million construction contract for winter improvements on the Red Line.

The board unanimously approved the contract for the next phase of the Red Line Winter Resiliency improvements on Monday. The resiliency program will provide $30.4 million to improve Red Line infrastructure for the winter.

"These critical investments in the resiliency of the MBTA’s core infrastructure and preparation for severe winter weather allow for upgrades that ensure more reliable service for the over one million daily riders who depend on the system each day," said Governor Charlie Baker in a release by the MBTA. "The Fiscal and Management Control Board continues to make significant progress on reforming the system, delivering transparency, cost-effectiveness and accountability for both taxpayers and commuters."

The $18.5 million contract was awarded to Barletta Heavy Division, Inc., which is located in Canton.

The Red Line improvements along nearly 10 miles of Red Line Braintree/Ashmont Lines will include:

• Replacement of all 3rd rail and associated rail heating systems along 9.9 miles of the Red Line South
• Track and tie renewal between Savin Hill and Fields Corner Stations
• Signal trough and conduit installation between North Quincy and Braintree Stations
• Track structure replacement at Quincy Center, Quincy Adams and Braintree Stations

The project will start this summer and run through December.

"Working in tandem with Barletta, MBTA forces will continue to make the upgrades necessary to keep the subway operating no matter what Mother Nature throws at us," said Acting MBTA General Manager Brian Shortsleeve in the release

Last year's first phase of Winter Resiliency Plan improvements included new third rail and rail heater improvements from the Andrew Station portal to Quincy Adams.

Buses will replace train service on the following weekends to accommodate the work:

• Braintree Branch: Sept. 10-12, Sept. 24-26, Oct. 1-3, Oct. 8-10, Oct. 15-17, Dec. 3-5.
• Ashmont Branch: Oct. 22-24, Dec. 10-12, Dec 17-19

Photo by Alison Bauter, Patch Staff