Framingham/Worcester Line Questions

the future Track 3, which was formally the Controlled Siding, should be in operation by October

What about the track that’s between the new vs old platform? When will that be done? Ik the temp platform needs to be removed first but idk where the project is at this point since the Mbta doesn’t do a good job at updating the project posts. I believe that was labeled as track 1.

It's too bad the Worcester layover isn't west of the station.

1050, that is the track I am referring to. It was the Controlled siding, this project began, the CS was converted to Rule 98 track. When the Temp platform is removed, which they started removing lighting, the new track will be laid to reconnect at CP45. When competed, will be referred to as Track 3

Agreed B&A, like back in the day when the equipment was kept down in P&W yard

There's got to be room for at least one pocket track west of the platform in the triangle between CSX and CSX/P&W tracks

Are there any updates as to what is happening with the rebuild of the Newton stops?

Can anybody here link any plans, documents, or images of what they plan to do with the Newton stations, if any such content exists yet?

Ref the Newton Stations I have a link to a powerpoint presentation from a town hall on the subject, and a youtube video of said meeting.

https://cdn.mbta.com/sites/default/file ... tation.pdf

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I-Nl8jAzjpE

Just awful. The Boston & Worcester Railroad only took four years from charter to completion to build 44 miles of railroad. The MBTA takes ?six years? to reduce a ~~1200ft platform to 400 feet at a cost of $40M. That's $100,000 per foot! I have no construction experience but for $40M I could design and hire a crew to build an 800 ft double side platform that would be better. When they say the station is in disrepair what do they mean? The stairs appear to be safe. The platform asphalt is cracked and sagging but it has been like that since the 1980s. The platform has working lights. The LED panel works. There is a crappy bus-like shelter with crappy benches. So ugly, uncomfortable, and loud, but saying disrepair is deliberate gaslighting. If you didn't have to worry about MA ADA you would raise the platform and repave it.

Also both of these substandard proposals have only one entrance.

Per email from Mayor Ruthanne Fuller of Newton:

Gov. Healey Announces 2026 Newtonville Commuter Rail Station Rebuild

There are days when dreams come true, hard stuff gets done, and permanent, positive change is made. This is one of those days.

This morning at Newton City Hall, Governor Maura Healey, Congressman Jake Auchincloss, MBTA General Manager Phil Eng, our State Delegation of Senator Creem, Representative Khan and Representative Balser, City Councilors, and members of the Newton community gathered as the Governor and the MBTA announced their commitment to rebuilding the Newtonville Commuter Rail Station with construction starting in 2026.

The project will include two elevators and two fully accessible, high-level platforms. Everyone will now be able to take the train – people with mobility challenges, parents with a stroller, and travelers with a suitcase. The double platforms will allow more frequent service, improving life for Newtonians and access to economic opportunities for people along the entire Worcester/Framingham/Boston corridor.

Additional upgrades to the Newtonville stations include (but are not limited to):

Track and signal upgrades to improve reliability and modernization of the stations

Benches, canopies, tactile warning strips, wayfinding signage, bicycle racks, as well as dedicated pick-up and drop-off areas

New safety security features such as blue phones and CCTV cameras, and improved lighting levels

With an estimated total project cost of $50 million funded by the State, the MBTA intends to finalize the station design in 2025, with work beginning in 2026.

This is a huge leap forward in Newton not just for public transportation but also housing, economic opportunity, accessibility, and climate resiliency.

With the leadership of Governor Healey, the meticulous work of MBTA General Manager Eng, the persistence of State Rep. Khan, and the important behind-the-scenes work of Congressman Auchincloss mixed in with the good work of Newtonians and of the great staff from Newton City Hall and the MBTA, I think all of us have joined a new team - the “Get Stuff Done” Team Massachusetts.

This has been my “Number One ask,” first with Gov. Baker and then with Gov. Healey. I’m thrilled. I’ll keep advocating for the same upgrades for our West Newton and Auburndale Commuter Rail Stations. But for today, I’m saying, “Thanks and Hooray!”

I just hope they can build it promptly and with minimal disruption to service on the line. But it will be a big improvement if half the schedule won't skip Newtonville anymore. This station does serve a denser population than many would assume.

Fifty Million?? For just one station? With two elevators? Seems not too long ago they built an entire high school in that town for a bit over $200 Million and it was the most expensive public school ever built in the state.

Is there any reason why they are building a 400 foot platform instead of a standard 800 foot platform? Doesn't seem like a very good idea on a line like the Framingham/Worcester Line, which frequently sees trains with 7 cars, and likely 8 cars when those sets make their eventual return.

Short-sighted attempt at cost saving. Lets them save a few bucks on platforms and second egresses. They're claiming that by 2028 they'll be running shorter sets for Framingham turns (and apparently Worcester trains won't serve the station at all), but that seems unlikely.

mbrproductions wrote: ↑Mon Dec 02, 2024 9:26 am Is there any reason why they are building a 400 foot platform instead of a standard 800 foot platform? Doesn't seem like a very good idea on a line like the Framingham/Worcester Line, which frequently sees trains with 7 cars, and likely 8 cars when those sets make their eventual return.

here is the brilliant idea behind it. I personally believe it will be disaster
gonna bite them right in the behind. The Cab Signal system is a disaster, we can barely operate the system now with the current gaps in service, let alone 30 mins

https://mass.streetsblog.org/2024/12/09 ... e-frequent