2/24/25

MBTA Turnback Track Project

The proposed MBTA project to construct a turnback track in Reading has caused concern among many residents; I share similar sentiments.  The MBTA, self-admittedly, has not presented this project from the beginning in a comprehensive manner, which has led to many questions from residents and abutters. 

This project appears to have been in consideration since at least fiscal year 2024 (2023-2024) since it was mentioned in the MBTA Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) as part of “Rail Transformation.”  I, like many others, wonder why the MBTA did not perform outreach with the town earlier if this project was under consideration years ago and is part of a system wide modernization and “transformation.”  Only recently has the town been notified with particulars on the project, with no apparent input from residents and/or government officials. 

Based on review of scant available information from the MBTA, coupled with information gathered from the recent resident led meeting, there are certainly more questions than answers with this project.  While the concept of increasing commuter rail service within the “core” of the system (which includes Reading on the outer bounds) is a lofty goal for both transit and housing policy, this turnback proposal appears to be the least useful solution.

Based on the project, as-is, and comments made at the recent meeting led by impacted residents, I have the following points/questions:

-Was the current proposal as projected the “preferred” alternative during project review?  If so, what were the other alternatives studied and what were the decision factors that led the MBTA to choose this proposal to construct?  If no other alternatives were studied, why?

-A resident presented several other alternative options that were contained within a TransitMatters report on the Haverhill Line.  Some of these alternative options appear to make significantly more logical sense than the proposed project; such as the use of tracks south of the station (behind Market Basket), simply double tracking the area within the current station confines with switching gear south of the station, or a complete buildout of a new station south of the current station.  Were any of these options considered by MBTA staff?  If not, why?

-If the MBTA is adamant to build 4,500~ of rail through conservation land and close to a residential neighborhood, will the MBTA commit to signing an enforceable agreement to ensure the local area is not adversely impacted due to both noise and air pollution?

As it relates to the possible concept to move the Reading MBTA south of the current location, the scope of a possible project would be within the Eastern Gateway priority development area.  This could be a generational opportunity and catalyst to a major project and development in this area and would also help improve the congested transit area within downtown.  It would be a shame for the MBTA to construct this track north of the current station and impact on a conservation and residential area, only to possibly realize in the future that the station makes more sense further down the tracks within the Eastern Gateway area as part of a larger development.

I look forward to attending the community meeting with the MBTA on February 25th to gather more information.  However, if the MBTA is unable to adequately explain their reasoning for this project scope or satisfactorily address resident concerns, more action will need to be taken.