August 2024 MBTA Green Line Railroad-SPS JV Track and Site Improvements

During the MBTA‘s recent 10-day Green Line shutdown from August 2nd – August 11th, the Railroad-SPS JV completed various track and site improvements in Boston’s Allston neighborhood along Commonwealth Ave. Our work included over 2,200 feet of full depth track replacement, including more than 450 feet of grade crossing replacement at Warren Street and Allston Street. The JV also installed 1,600 feet of new track drainage pipe, replaced 2,000 feet of restraining rail, reset hundreds of granite curbs, installed 4 new duct banks to support MBTA traction power, and installed new asphalt platforms at Warren and Allston stations. This extensive work resulted in 8 speed restrictions being removed from the Green Line B Branch. The work was completed successfully with the help of our subcontractors and continuous support from the City of Boston and various MBTA departments.

August 2024 Safety Focus: Confined Space

This month’s SPS Safety Focus is all about Confined Space. Workers in confined spaces can be at risk for injury or death from lack of oxygen, buildup of explosive or toxic gases, uncontrolled water, falling materials, and electrical hazards.

Treat all confined spaces as hazardous. Never enter a confined space:

  • Without proper training, which your employer is required to provide.
  • Before the air is tested for oxygen, flammable vapors, and toxic chemicals.
  • Before the structure has been checked to make sure it will not collapse.
  • Without a dependable way of communicating with a person outside of the space.
  • Without appropriate personal protective equipment provided by your employer, such as a self-contained breathing apparatus.

Confined Space Safety Tip: Do not re-enter the same confined space before checking for hazardous conditions.

Reminder – Confined spaces present unique conditions that can become life-threatening!