Franklin-Foxboro Line Troubles Continue

Colin A.  Young | SHNS

More than three weeks after a catenary wire came down and set fire to a signal bungalow that's key to maintaining orderly train traffic at Boston's southern doorstep, state officials say they are making progress on a long-discussed project while Amtrak infrastructure work continues.

The small fire happened Aug. 1 at the so-called Read Interlocking where the Franklin/Foxboro Line splits off from the mainline near Hyde Park Station. The work to repair the signal shed has led to temporary service changes on numerous Commuter Rail lines, some of which have since been eased or lifted. The Fairmount Line that runs from South Station through Dorchester, Mattapan and Hyde Park has been put to use to accommodate at least some trains on the Franklin/Foxboro Line.

In a joint update issued Saturday, the MBTA and Commuter Rail operator Keolis said they will adjust service schedules as Amtrak's work progresses and aim to return to regular service as soon as possible. But in the meantime, the agencies said they "also continue planned infrastructure improvements to prepare the Fairmount Line for battery-electric trains while Amtrak repairs are underway."

Last August, public officials including Gov. Maura Healey held a celebration of the state's plans to bring battery electric train service to the Fairmount Line. The T's board last summer approved a $54 million contract with Keolis for the project, which is expected to become reality by 2028.

Keolis said this year that it was seeking seven battery-electric multiple unit (BEMU) trainsets, which it said "will reduce pollution while ensuring frequent service, with intervals of every 20 minutes during weekdays." MBTA General Manager Phil Eng said last year that the line currently runs on 30-minute intervals.

Parts of the Providence Line and Newburyport/Rockport Line have potential for electrification, the GM said last year.

"This is just the beginning. This is a peek into the future, but we're bringing it within our lifetimes," Eng said. He added, "Technology is getting better, so we know that this technology works in other parts of the world. The key is how do we make it work here for us."

The latest adjustments to Commuter Rail service schedules to accommodate Amtrak maintenance work comes just before Amtrak and U.S. Department of Transportation officials are due to ride a so-called NextGen Acela train into South Station for a press conference, the final leg of a multi-city celebration of the start of slightly faster Amtrak passenger train service.