Track Replacemenet in Walpole

Track Replacement in Walpole MA (6/1/11)

Last week i stopped by Walpole Station to see if i could catch CSX B735. When i drove into the parking lot i realized that the mbta was in the process of replacing the abandoned tracks that run through the parking lot. I took some videos and pics while i was there.

My guess is that they are replacing the tracks in order to provide an easier route for the Patriots train to access the CSX Fram-Sub line later this year. I also think the MBTA is thinking of expanding the Franklin line and adding a branchline to Foxboro MA in the future.

Though my prediction may be wrong... CSX owns trackage rights on that line and even if the MBTA wanted to run trains to Foxboro daily they would have to get permission from CSX and have a schedule that doesn't interfere with CSX locals. I believe there are 4-5 local freights to light power moves a day making it quite complicated for extra traffic especially from MBTA Commuter trains.


Why are those new tracks so rusty?

blood117
I saw in the bulletin that the Lewis Wye (which is what this is) was out of service, but they didn't say why - I'm glad it's a replacement and not a dismantling. FWIW, commuter trains (used to) run on CSX tracks all day long, on the Worcester line, so CSX knows how to deal with MBCR trains and freight trains (though traffic is of course an issue). CSX sold the Worcester tracks to the T, but CSX still dispatches them and they run on CSX rules - that will change sooner or later.


NE pats stadium train with 2 engines must see!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!