Drill rig for Green Line Extension malfunctions; Lowell Line service suspended
The drill rig "experienced a mechanical failure and is immobile," according to the T.
Heavy equipment from an MBTA project malfunctioned near a T commuter rail line Thursday, causing service to be suspended.A drill rig being used for the Green Line Extension project “experienced a mechanical failure and is immobile” near the Lowell Line, according to a Thursday afternoon press release from the T. The rig was reportedly working on an abutment wall for the new Broadway Bridge in Somerville. “Special equipment” was being sent to the site to keep the drill stable until it can be moved.
The Lowell train out of North Station is cancelled due to heavy machinery blocking the tracks. Take Orange Line to Wellington and bus from there
— MBTA Transit Police (@MBTATransitPD) August 29, 2019
We have a crane on site to make the area safe. Until that mission is complete service between North Station & Anderson is suspended.
— MBTA Transit Police (@MBTATransitPD) August 29, 2019
To ensure rider safety, @MBTA_CR Lowell Line service is currently suspended between North Station and Anderson/Woburn due to a leaning drill rig near the tracks. A crane is being brought in to stabilize and remove it.
— MBTA (@MBTA) August 29, 2019
As a result, all trains between North Station and Anderson/Woburn weren’t running, and riders were being advised of how to get home, via the Orange Line, MBTA buses, or shuttle buses, per the release:
For outbound Lowell Line service:
For Lowell Line customers headed to Anderson/Woburn and points north: customers should take the Orange Line to Wellington Station, where buses will be staged to transport customers to Anderson/Woburn. From Anderson/Woburn, customers will board Commuter Rail service to complete their trip to Lowell.
For service to West Medford: customers can board MBTA bus route 326 from Haymarket Station for service to West Medford.
For service to Wedgemere and Winchester Center: customers should take the Orange Line to Wellington Station. From there, customers should board MBTA bus route 134 from Wellington Station.
Busing will remain in place while special equipment is dispatched to the area to ensure the drill remains stable until it is removed.
For Lowell Line customers seeking inbound service:
Customers can board buses from Anderson/Woburn that will run express to Wellington Station. From there, customers can board the Orange Line.
The MBTA is also establishing a bus shuttle that will make all regularly scheduled stops between West Medford and Anderson/Woburn along the Lowell Line.
All Commuter Rail passes and tickets will be honored on the Orange Line and shuttle buses for the duration of the diversion.
