Massachusetts

MBTA Cancels Several Evening Trains Due to Storm Damage

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority and Keolis have cancelled several evening trains on the Lowell and Haverhill commuter rail lines due to storm related damage.

Regional power outages are affecting rail service on both lines due to the nor'easter that brought down trees, branches and power lines. The electric grid powers the commuter rail's signal systems and grade crossing equipment.

The following trains have been cancelled on Thursday night:

  • 293/294 (4:48 North Station to Reading & 5:38 Reading to North Station)
  • 295/296 (6:05 North Station to Reading & 6:55 Reading to North Station)
  • 297/298 (7:20 North Station to Reading & 8:07 Reading to North Station)
  • 327/334 (4:15 North Station to Lowell & 5:17 Lowell to North Station)
  • 333 (5:35 North Station to Lowell)

The MBTA and Keolis said they are in the process of deploying a network of backup generators to power the lines to help maintain a reliable level of service during the evening commute.

Some delays have been reported on Thursday due to the storm cleanup, including one train that derailed in Wilmington around 7 a.m.

The MBTA is operating regular service on the Red, Green, Orange, and Blue lines, but customers are urged to use caution as crews work to clear snow and ice from platforms, parking lots, and pedestrian paths at bus stops and stations.

Crews were working throughout the day to remove downed trees from lines and were deploying generators in areas where power was lost. Keolis officials said about 30 trees fell onto tracks with the majority of them being on the Worcester line. During the cleanup, speed restrictions were in place and caused 20-minute delays on the line.

The downed trees also damaged seven trainsm which Keolis and MBTA crews had to repair and reinspect overnight. Those trains were back in service Thursday morning.

Around 4 a.m., buses had to replace Green Line train service on the D branch between Riverside and Reservoir in both directions until further notice due to weather-related damage.

Emergency crews were on standby throughout the day to respond to broken rail issues as well as issues affecting the power systems and switches.

Officials said power crews will also continue to monitor overhead wires on the Blue and Green Lines, looking for ice buildup. Increased staffing will be present throughout the system, with snow-fighting equipment pre-deployed in key areas to clear snow and ice.

Ferry service is operating on regular weekday schedules.

Some buses may operate on their designated snow routes due to cleanup.

Customers can visit the MBTA's winter website for up-to-date information and follow the MBTA on Twitter.

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