Updated 1/14/15: MassDOT sent along the following advisory reenforcing the danger of trespassing on the tracks in the area of Alexander Ave and Channing Road:
*** Construction Advisory ***
Belmont, MA
Concord Ave (Downtown) to Brighton St.
Belmont High School/Channing Road Area
The MBTA would like to advise our neighbors in Belmont that substantial track construction activity is scheduled to continue into the spring in the area of Channing Road to complete improvement s on the Commuter Rail Tracks that run adjacent to the neighborhood and Belmont High School. The work will involves the removal and replacement of track infrastructure, will be noisy at times and may be disruptive at its peak for neighbors in the area.
The work consists primarily of the installation of new track, switch, and signal infrastructure as part of the Fitchburg Main Line Improvement Project. It is anticipated that over the next two months work will continue to construct track and switch panels which will then be tested on site and installed this spring. New signal systems will also be installed at Brighton St. crossing. This work is scheduled for daytime construction during normal operating hours. On occasion early morning deliveries or off hours work may be required. The project will make every effort to notify impacted neighbors when these impacts are anticipated.
Additionally, the project would like to remind residents that ALL TRESPASSING ACTIVITY between Channing Road and the High School properties must cease IMMEDIATELY. Trespassing is on the Commuter Rail Right Of Way is Illegal and highly dangerous. The MBTA Police will be working with local administration, school, and public safety officials to insure that this activity ceases. In addition to this being an active high speed railroad right of way, it is also currently an active construction site. Improvements at this location will include a remotely operable movable point heated rail switch which will present additional hazard to trespassers.
We apologize for any inconvenience this work and may cause. These improvements are essential to the rehabilitation of the Fitchburg Line. Customers can look forward to significant service improvements when this project is completed.
If you have any questions about the project, please contact us by email at
MBTA Fitchburg Project Email FitchburgProject@MBTA.com or by phone at MBTA Fitchburg Project Hotline 617-721-7506.
Updated 1/12/15: I received the following update from the contractor via MassDOT in response to noise complaints received from neighbors in Belmont:
With regard to work in the Belmont area, track and signal work will continue on CP6 which is the new switch adjacent to Channing Road in the area of Alexander Ave. Recent complaints received in the area were related to early morning equipment deliveries to this area. The work at this location is expected to be during normal daytime hours with additional signal work to be undertaken at the Brighton St. grade crossing signal systems. The latter improvements will not yet require a closure of the road but may require daytime single lane impacts coordinated with local police.
Lastly and importantly, the trespassing issue at Alexander Ave to the High School continues to be a real problem, in addition to the normal rail operations. The area is now an active construction site and the track now includes a remotely operated movable automatic switch to transfer trains between the tracks. The switch also employs a switch heater that heats it up to high temps to prevent icing. All are dangerous to trespassing teens who too often are wearing earbuds and not paying attention. Will be issuing an advisory through the schools and to the Board of Selectmen this week.
Andrew Bettinelli
Legislative Aide
Office of State Senator William N. Brownsberger
We share this Construction Advisory from the MBTA informing Belmont residents in the area from Pearson Road to Channing Road that overnight construction work on Sept. 27 & 28 to improve the inbound rail line may be noisy and disruptive. Ongoing work on the Fitchburg Line will require all weekend service to be suspended through November 16th, 2014.
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Construction Advisory
Belmont MA –Pearson Road to Brighton Street
Overnight Work Expected
The MBTA would like to advise our neighbors in Belmont that substantial construction activity is scheduled between Pearson Road and Brighton Street to complete improvement s on the inbound commuter rail track that runs adjacent to Belmont Station and Belmont High School . The work will involve the removal and replacement of track infrastructure, will be noisy at times and may be disruptive at its peak for neighbors in the area of Pearson Road to Channing Road.
This weekend, September 27th and 28th , while most work will begin at approximately 6 am and continue to approximately 10pm, it is anticipated that some work at this location will require overnight operations in order to complete track improvements during this weekend’s service outage. The night work will begin approximately 2 am Saturday Morning and continue through Sunday evening.
In order to support construction efforts, ALL MBTA Fitchburg Line Commuter Rail weekend service is suspended through November 16th 2014. For more information on the weekend service suspension please go to www.MBTA.com
We apologize for any inconvenience this work and may cause. It is critical that these major construction efforts be undertaken over weekends and some nights when the track is taken out of service. These are once-in-a-generation improvements are essential to the rehabilitation of the Fitchburg Line. Customers can look forward to significant service improvements when this project is completed.
If you have any questions about the project please contact us by email at
MBTA Fitchburg Project Email FitchburgProject@MBTA.com or by phone at MBTA Fitchburg Project Hotline 617-721-7506
You may view the original advisory here.
