MBTA Commuter Rail Safety and Resiliency Program

Advisory: Rockport Line Overnight Work

The MBTA is installing new signal system upgrades called Automatic Train Control (ATC) as part of Positive Train Control (PTC), a federally mandated safety control system that monitors a train’s location, direction, and speed in real time and reduces speed when needed to help prevent collisions.

The project team would like to advise the community of ongoing signal systems testing within the right-of-way on the MBTA Rockport Commuter Rail Line.

To test PTC and ATC systems, work will occur as necessary twenty-four hours, seven days a week.

There are ongoing changes in operations at certain grade crossings along the Rockport Line. Specifically at Ashland Avenue, Beach Street, Sea Street, and Washington Street.

Due to equipment required to perform this work, lights and mild to moderate noise levels can be expected. The scheduled signal testing will continue through December. Additionally nighttime test train operations will take place from December to March.

Thank you in advance for your cooperation. We appreciate your patience as the MBTA takes this important step in making the railways safer for customers with the
implementation of the PTC program.

Should you have any questions please feel free to contact the PTC program at 617-721-7506 or [email protected].