Commuter Rail Teams Prepare for Wednesday Storm, Advise Passengers to Use Caution if Traveling

Crews readying resources ahead of Wednesday’s storm to help allow a safe, reliable commute in severe weather

BOSTON – March 6, 2018 – Keolis Commuter Services (Keolis) and the MBTA are continuing clean up efforts following Winter Storm Riley, while lining up commuter rail crews and preparing for severe weather that is expected to bring 6 – 20 inches of wet snow Wednesday.

According to the National Weather Service, snowfall is expected to begin early Wednesday morning and continue for approximately 24 hours. Steady winds gusting up to 35 mph are expected with some areas seeing rain or a snow/rain mix and others receiving 6 – 20 inches of wet snow. The heaviest precipitation is expected to be during the Wednesday evening commute, while clean up activities will continue through Thursday.

“Passengers should exercise caution while traveling Wednesday and Thursday,” said David Scorey, CEO and General Manager, Keolis. “Our crews will continue working around the clock finishing clean up efforts while also performing the necessary prep to ensure platforms are clear and our resources are ready for additional snow, rain and freezing conditions.”

While continuing clean up efforts from Winter Storm Riley, Keolis and MBTA teams began earlier this week preparations for this week’s storm. Crews are re-filling resources, such as fuel and sand/salt mixes, and re-inspecting infrastructure, including switches, signals and gates, as well as the snow plow train in the event it is necessary to clear wet snow from tracks. Approximately 450 Keolis team members are helping with storm preparations and will be deployed to support clean up and operations during this storm.

This week, Keolis deployed field teams to examine wooded areas along commuter rail tracks for trees that were weakened during Winter Storm Riley and may be more susceptible to fall onto the tracks if wet snow builds up or freezes on branches. Dozens of trees fell on or near tracks during Winter Storm Riley, damaging 8 train sets that were repaired last weekend and sections of rail that were also repaired.

With the snow, rain and potential for icy conditions, passengers should use caution when on platforms, and provide additional time to travel to and from commuter rail stations. Keolis and the MBTA will provide updates on service to passengers via Twitter at @MBTA_CR, MBTA.com, T-Alerts, station signage and onboard announcements.