Residents voice concerns and support at Feb 25 MBTA turnback track forum
Location: Pleasant Street Center, 49 Pleasant Street
Presenters:
Sharon Cranston, Director of Rail Modernization (MBTA); Alistair Sawers Senior, Director of Rail Modernization (MBTA); Jeremy Fontaine, MBTA Environmental (MBTA)
Also present:
Matt Kraunelis (Town Manager), Jayne Wellman (Assistant Town Manager), Carlo Bacci (Select Board via Zoom), Mark Dockser (Select Board), Chris Haley (Select Board), Karen Herrick (Select Board), two American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters.
Watch here on the RTCV Youtube page.
MBTA presents Turnback Track Project update
The MBTA recently presented plans for the Turnback Track Project, aimed at improving train frequency and modernizing service. Here are three things to know about the presentation:
More frequent trains: The project is part of a broader effort to increase midday train service across all lines to every 30 minutes, allowing trains to depart Reading at half-hour intervals. This marks a step toward modernization and electrification for faster, more reliable service.
Turnback track function: The proposed turnback track in Reading would allow trains originating there to move aside, enabling Haverhill-bound trains to pass on a single track. Trains would idle for 30 minutes or less and affects two conservation areas.
Exploring alternatives: The MBTA reviewed other potential solutions, including expanding Reading station, relocation the station, and connecting to the Wildcat Branch. Each posed significant financial and logistical challenges, leading the MBTA to pursue the turnback track option.
Questions or comments? Contact the MBTA:
Email: MBTA_RR@mbta.com
Phone: 617-222-3030
More info: www.mbta.com/projects/regional-rail-modernization-program
Community raises comments and suggestions on MBTA Turnback Track Project
During the public comments portion of the MBTA’s recent presentation on the Turnback Track Project, residents and officials raised key concerns and suggestions. Here are three major takeaways:
Concerns over pollution & service reliability: Many residents express worries about increased noise ad air pollution, especially given the project’s proximity to an Environmental Justice Community, residential neighborhoods, and a middle school. Other supported the project’s goals but voiced frustration with current MBTA service, questioning whether the agency can deliver on the improved frequency it promises.
Public safety concerns: Local police and fire officials shared their frustration at being left out of the planning process. They raised concerns about the impact of more frequent train crossings on emergency response times and increased traffic disruptions.
Exploring alternative locations: Some residents proposed alternative sites for the turnback track, and MBTA officials agreed to investigate these options. In response, the MBTA has withdrawn its Notice of Intent with the Conservation Commission to review feedback ad consider locations.
The discussion underscored the importance of community engagement and transparency as the project moves forward. Residents are encouraged to stay involved ad share their input with the MBTA.
Photo by: Taylor Gregory
Glossary of terms
Turnback Track: a short siding that allows a train to reverse direction without blocking through traffic.
Layover: a set of tracks where trains are stored between peak periods or overnight; staffed facility with full day activity. (This is not occurring in Reading)
Maintenance Facility: a set of tracks where inspections and maintenance operations occur; a yard is subject to different regulations than turnback tracks and layovers. (This is not occurring in Reading)
Regional Rail: schedule with more frequent service on inner stations and less frequent service on outer stations, with a turnback point separating the frequencies.
Unnecessary Idling: when the locomotive is running but not required for other operational activities; Federal/Massachusetts law limits unnecessary idle time to 30 minutes.
Turnback track concept
The MBTA’s Turnback Track Project aims to increase weekday commuter rail frequency from the current 45-minute intervals to 30-minute intervals between 5:30 am and 7:30 pm.
Key details of the proposed project:
The turnback track will not include overnight storage and will not be staffed.
It will be used only for inner-core turn trains, meaning 14 turnbacks per day (every other train).
The turnback procedure takes 30 minutes or less, involving:
The train pulling into the station to unload passengers.
Moving to the turnback track.
The crew switching ends of the train.
A Haverhill-bound train passing by.
Conducting brake tests before re-entering the station five minutes before boarding.
The project is a key step towards modernizing service, but concerns remain about community impacts and operational logistics.
Resident feedback on MBTA Turnback Track Project
Residents voices strong concerns about the potential increase in idling time, which is estimated to rise from 2.5 hours (8 trips) under the current 45-minute schedule to 7 hours (14 trips) under the proposed 30-minute frequency.
To address concerns about noise and emissions, MBTA officials outlined potential mitigation strategies, including:
Installing noise barriers to reduce sound pollution.
Positioning the turnback track as far from residential properties as possible.
Transitioning to renewable as a short-term emissions reduction measure, with electrification planned for the future.
Some residents who regularly commute to Boston and Cambridge expressed support for the goal of more frequent service, recognizing its potential benefits. However, they also raised concerns about the impact on the surrounding neighborhood and doubts about MBTA’s ability to deliver reliable service, citing frequent train delays and cancellations that currently disrupt travel plans.
Photo by: Taylor Gregory
Public safety concerns over MBTA Turnback Track Proposal
Public safety officials voices significant concerns about the lack of engagement from the MBTA regarding the proposed turnback track project and its impact on emergency response times.
Reading Police Chief David Clark expressed frustration that the MBTA had not consulted with police departments in Reading, Melrose, or Wakefield, despite all three towns being affected by the increased train frequency and crossings. He noted that in 2024, Reading officers responded to
26 calls related to traffic gate malfunctions
78 instances where police response was delayed due to train crossings
Chief Clark also highlighted that a traffic study had not been conducted, raising concerns about increased congestion. MBTA officials responded that they are not required to complete one but indicated they would look into it.
Reading Fire Chief Greg Burns echoed similar concerns, stating that his department was also not contacted by MBTA and emphasized the potential delays in emergency response times - particularly to Reading’s south side, where significant construction is underway. H also cited issues with gate timing and traffic backups, which could further hinder first responders.
Public safety officials continue to urge the MBTA to engage in discussions and consider mitigation measures to address these concerns.
