Keolis Commuter Services (KCS) and the MBTA have announced the completion of a series of works to improve services on the Newburyport/Rockport line.
Works included replacing the 132-year-old Beverly drawbridge, modernizing track and grade crossing signals at Cabot Street in Beverly and the Ashbury Street and Bay Road intersection in Hamilton; replacing approximately 12,000 rail ties between North Beverly and Ipswich, and installing 2,800 tons of ballast; upgrading sections of the Rockport layover facility; and performing pre-planning work for the replacement of the Gloucester drawbridge.
The track and grade modernizations will help to improve safety at these crossings while also reducing the likelihood for train delays due to equipment malfunctions. Rail tie replacements are an important part of general maintenance that will now not be required again on these areas for 5-7 years. Upgrades performed at the Rockport layover moving forward will help to partially reduce idling, an initiative to help alleviate concerns from nearby residents.
“The ongoing infrastructure work on the Newburyport/Rockport Line reflects the MBTA’s new approach to capital spending. This fiscal year alone nearly USD 800 million is targeted toward projects that will improve reliability and enhance safety throughout the system,” said interim MBTA General Manager Steve Poftak.
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