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Overhead Wire Removal Continuing October 1

caution sign The information on this page may be outdated as it was published 2 years ago.

MBTA Trolley Yard

Electric Trolley Decommissioning by the MBTA

The MBTA is continuing to decommission its Overhead Catenary System (OCS) which had supported its recently retired Electric Trolley Bus Fleet. Battery Electric Bus (BEB) service is being implemented throughout its service area. There is an extensive OCS in Cambridge, and it was entirely de-energized in March 2022. The MBTA is designing the removal of the entire OCS, including the overhead (OH) wires, associated poles, underground wires.

The MBTA is working closing with the City of Cambridge to coordinate a phased removal. There are also several Cambridge construction and separated bike lane (SBL) projects that will benefit from the OH wires and poles being removed. The Cambridge Department of Public Works (DPW) has requested an expedited removal of the OH wires on Huron Street, Aberdeen Ave and Belmont Street to facilitate construction activities in this area.

To expedite the OH wire removal, the MBTA is utilizing its internal Power Department to perform this work. This phase of the work includes the removal of electrical and support wires. Based on staff resources and other needs of the MBTA system, the MBTA is mobilizing crews as resources are available. The MBTA has scheduled a crew this weekend to continue removing the overhead wires at the following locations:

  • Saturday, October 1 at Huron Ave and Fresh Pond Parkway.  
  • Sunday, October 2 at Mt Auburn Street and Belmont Street. 

Necessary equipment includes cutting equipment, bucket trucks, platform trucks, support vehicles and light towers for any night work. The work this weekend will begin at 6:00 a.m. and is expected to be completed by 6:00 p.m. Given the fluid scheduling of the work due to available resources and weather, the MBTA will continue to coordinate with the DPW for assistance with notifications and police detail requests. 

For questions regarding this work, please contact Kristen Kelleher, Community Relations Project Administrator, Department of Public Works, 617-349-4825/ kkelleher@cambridgema.gov 

 

Page was posted on 9/8/2022 1:44 PM
Page was last modified on 7/25/2023 3:38 AM
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