via the Reading Turnback Committee’s page –
December 2, 2025
Dear Senator Lewis, Representatives Jones and Haggerty, Members of the Reading Select Board, and Mr. Kraunelis,
I am writing regarding the Reading Station Turnback Track, an early action project as part of the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority’s (MBTA) Regional Rail Modernization Program.
As you know, the proposed project would allow for increased weekday commuter rail frequency into and out of Boston from Reading Station, approximately every 30 minutes between 5:00am and 8:00pm. The infrastructure work included installing 4,500 linear feet of railroad on existing MBA right-of-way alongside the Haverhill Line north of Reading Station near Vine Street. The intent of this turnback track would be to allow commuter rail trains to turn off the main line track, allow a Haverhill-bound train to pass, and then return to Reading Station for a return trip to North Station. This operational flexibility would have supported enhanced train frequency between Reading and Boston.
We appreciate and value the feedback from elected officials and residents across the Town of Reading, and the request that we rescind the Notice Of Intent (NOl). After careful deliberation, we have decided to no longer pursue the Vine Street location and, subsequently, the MBTA did request to withdraw the NOI on November 12.
As a public transit agency, we strive to make decisions that can best support local needs while maintaining our focus on improving service along the corridor as we serve all of the communities along and adjacent to Haverhill Line. Please know that our rail modernization team will continue assessing alternate turnback track locations, excluding the Vine Street location.
I want to thank you and members of the Reading community for the dialogue during this process. We look forward to keeping you informed as we progress and appreciate the open lines of communication we have as we continue to seek opportunities that will best serve the public.
Sincerely,
Phillip Eng
Interim MassDOT Secretary and
MBTA General Manager & CEO
