Analysis and Assessment of MBTA Green Line Light Rail Track System For: November 23, 2017 Presented by: Contents Executive Summary .................................................................................................................................. 5 Evaluation of the Current Track Structure ......................................................................................... 5 Priority Recommendations .......................................................................................................... 6 Evaluation of MBTA’s Ability to Maintain the Track Structure to an Acceptable Level ................ 6 Priority Recommendations .......................................................................................................... 8 Review of Track Department Records, Procedures, and Maintenance Management Processes ... 8 Priority Recommendations .......................................................................................................... 8 Track Department Training ................................................................................................................. 9 Priority Recommendations ......................................................................................................... 10 Is the MBTA Green Line being maintained to Standards? ............................................................... 10 Priority Recommendations ......................................................................................................... 10 Summary................................................................................................................................................ 11 Background .............................................................................................................................................. 13 Scope ......................................................................................................................................................... 13 The MBTA Green Line............................................................................................................................. 14 Assessment Methodology ....................................................................................................................... 15 Types of Transit Cars Used on the MBTA Green Line .......................................................................... 16 Historical Context – Known Issues ........................................................................................................ 17 TTCI Report – February 2001, Report P-01-05 ................................................................................... 17 Findings: ........................................................................................................................................... 17 Recommendations: .......................................................................................................................... 17 APTA Peer Review – October 2002, Green Line No.8, Low Floor Light Rail Vehicles .................. 18 General Observation ........................................................................................................................ 18 Recommendations ........................................................................................................................... 18 Commonwealth of Massachusetts – Feb 16, 2007 Audit Report ...................................................... 18 January 2013 – HNTB Track Inspection Report for MBTA Line Supervisors .................................. 19 Track Standards Development ........................................................................................................... 19 Track Structure Issues ............................................................................................................................. 19 Geometry - Surfacing, Alignment, and Gauge Conditions .............................................................. 20 Findings ........................................................................................................................................23 Rail Conditions.................................................................................................................................... 24 Findings ....................................................................................................................................... 28 Restraining Rail Issues ........................................................................................................................ 28 Page | 2 Restraining Rail Findings ........................................................................................................... 29 Special Trackwork ............................................................................................................................... 30 Switch Points ........................................................................................................................................ 31 Special Track Work and Switch Point Findings ........................................................................32 Tie Issues .............................................................................................................................................. 33 Wood Ties......................................................................................................................................... 33 Concrete Ties................................................................................................................................... 34 Tie Maintenance and Inspection Issues ......................................................................................... 35 Tie Assessment Findings ............................................................................................................ 36 Roadbed and Ballast Issues ................................................................................................................ 36 Roadbed and Ballast Findings .................................................................................................... 42 Miscellaneous Issues on Roadway ..................................................................................................... 42 Crossings: ......................................................................................................................................... 43 Current Trackbed Cleaning Efforts ............................................................................................... 44 Rail Lubricators ............................................................................................................................... 45 Non-Staggered Joints ...................................................................................................................... 46 Wheel/Rail Interactions ................................................................................................................. 46 Rail Grinding ................................................................................................................................... 57 Rail/Wheel Interactions – Findings .......................................................................................... 58 Documentation and Maintenance Management Review .................................................................... 59 MBTA Green Line Track Standards – Edition 2008.1 (7/08) ........................................................... 59 Derailment Report Review ................................................................................................................. 64 Derailment Report Review Findings ......................................................................................... 68 Maintenance of Way Organizational Structure ............................................................................... 68 Areas of Responsibilities: ............................................................................................................... 68 Budget .............................................................................................................................................. 69 MOW Overall Organizational Structure ...................................................................................... 69 Green Line MOW Division ............................................................................................................. 71 Green Line Maintenance Personnel Resources ............................................................................. 71 Findings – Personnel Resources .................................................................................................73 Maintenance Management Record Review ...................................................................................... 74 Condition Assessment Records (Inspection Reports, Geometry Reports, Rail Profiles, UT Reports) ........................................................................................................................................... 74 Work Generating Documents (Work Orders, Foreman Reports, Supervisor Records) ........... 85 Quality Assurance Reports ............................................................................................................. 85 Page | 3 Maintenance Management Records Review - Findings .......................................................... 86 Maintenance Management Process .................................................................................................