MBTA Track/Row II On-Call – Orange Line Surge

Rail/Transit, Rail
Bid Build
Boston, MA
Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority

As part of a large capital improvements program to update the 120-year-old rapid transit line in Boston area, the Orange Line Surge was a special 30-day program to quickly implement urgent reliability upgrades and repairs on the Orange Line that serve communities in Malden, Medford, Somerville, and Boston.

The upgrades and repairs, performed during a complete shut-down between August 19 through September 18, 2023, were done to improve the safety, reliability, and access for Orange Line riders and the surrounding communities.

By the Numbers

2.5 Miles
Full-Depth Track Replacement

6K+
Railroad Tie Replacement

20K LF
CWR Replacement

100+
Thermite Welds

500+
Rail Fastener Replacements

10+ Miles
Resurfacing

$75M
Project Value

Scope of Work
  • Full-depth track installation
  • Tie Replacements
  • Continous welded rail (CWR) Replacement
  • Thermite welding
  • Tunnel track concrete anchor replacements
  • Tunnel Cologne Eggs rail fastener replacement, installations, and removals
  • Resurfacing and specialty tamping services
  • Canopy and platform structural repairs
Unique Challenges
  • Accelerated schedule to finish critical work within a 30-day shutdown period
  • Work in a confined space
  • Night shift and weekend work