Public Meetings Scheduled for October 7 and 8
Today, the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) has officially filed a Notice of Intent (NOI) with the Reading Conservation Commission for the construction of a new turnback track along the Haverhill Line. The proposed project aims to enhance commuter rail service between Reading and Boston by allowing trains to reverse direction more efficiently at the Reading Station.
The MBTA will present the project to the Reading Select Board on October 7 and to the Conservation Commission on October 8.
Project Overview
The proposed Reading Turnback Track will span approximately 4,500 linear feet along the northern side of the existing mainline track, from just east of the Aberjona River to the Reading Station at Woburn Street. The project will be constructed entirely within the existing railroad right-of-way, utilizing a previously disturbed gravel access road where a second track once existed.
Key components of the project include:
- Installation of new track, turnout switches, and signal infrastructure.
- Placement of track pans to capture engine drippings.
- Planting of screen trees to buffer the view from adjacent wetlands.
- No direct work within wetland resource areas; all activity is confined to the 100-foot buffer zones.
Environmental Considerations
The NOI outlines that the project will impact approximately 58,095 square feet of buffer zone area, with 14,961 square feet temporarily altered and restored post-construction. The MBTA asserts that:
- No work will occur within the 200-foot Riverfront Area of the Aberjona River.
- The project avoids direct alteration of wetlands and complies with the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act.
- Erosion controls, including compost filter socks, will be used to protect sensitive areas during construction.
- The project qualifies as a “Redevelopment Project” under the Massachusetts Stormwater Handbook, minimizing regulatory burden due to its location in a previously developed area.
Community Impact and Next Steps
The MBTA states that the turnback track will improve service reliability by allowing trains to queue off the mainline, reducing delays and increasing operational flexibility. Construction materials will be delivered by rail to minimize local traffic disruption, and no stockpiling will occur within jurisdictional areas.
The public is encouraged to attend the upcoming meetings to learn more and provide feedback:
- Select Board Meeting: October 7, 2025
- Conservation Commission Meeting: October 8, 2025
To view our dedicated MBTA page, please click here: https://www.readingrecap.com/mbta/
The full NOI and supporting documents are available in pdf form below:
