Upcoming Green Line Work To Include Drones, Heavy Machinery

SOMERVILLE, MA — Green Line Extension nighttime construction will run from Friday, Oct. 4 to Friday, Oct. 11. Work will take place along certain areas of the MBTA Fitchburg and Lowell Commuter Rail lines in Somerville, Medford and Cambridge.

Aerial drones may be visible above the MBTA right-of-way over the weekend. Drones are used during daytime track outages to generate precise, three-dimensional surveys of the tracks and other rail bed characteristics, according to MassDOT.

A construction train used for excavation and hauling of materials will be used throughout the nights and weekend. The piece of heavy machinery is required to use its horn whenever it stops and starts, MassDOT said.

On weeknights the MBTA/Keolis will continue Commuter Rail service late evenings and freight train service will operate sporadically during the early morning hours.

Fitchburg Line: (Lechmere Station to Union Square, Somerville)
Work will continue around-the-clock beginning Friday evening. Construction activities include the erection of steel viaduct sections and concrete form work. Work zones are centered mainly in the future Lechmere Station and Inner Belt Road areas (near the MBTA Boston Engine Terminal). Expect light to moderate construction noise primarily due to movement of heavy machinery. Contractors will make efforts to direct lighting away from residential buildings.

Lowell Line: (Lechmere Station to College Ave, Medford)
Work will begin Friday evening, October 4, and will continue through Sunday night, October 6, with possible activity carrying over into the early morning hours of Monday, October 7, in some areas. Various work zones will stretch from Gilman Square in Somerville to the area north of College Avenue in Medford. The purpose of the work is to advance foundations, walls, and utility relocation in advance of this year’s track shift of the Commuter Rail alignment to its permanent location. Contractors will make efforts to minimize noise, however, this work may be disruptive at times. Efforts will be made to minimize light spillage into residential areas.