Work on phase 2, which will add 5.6km of double track between Norfolk and Frank Street, will begin in spring 2020 and be completed by December. In parallel, preliminary design work will begin on phase 3, the 6.4km section between Norwood Central and Walpole stations.
Work on phase 1, which Keolis Commuter Services is overseeing in partnership with MBTA’s Railroad Operations team following the award of the contract in February, adds 6.4km of double track between Walpole and Norfolk stations, and is due to be commissioned this spring.
Introducing double track will help to improve the reliability of the Franklin Line, which is one of the network’s busiest routes. It will also provide the opportunity to introduce express and additional services.
The line has served more than 1500 daily passengers since 2012 and is also used by some freight services.
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