(Kim Tunnicliffe/WBZ NewsRadio)
BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — Detailing efforts to repair the damage to Red Line signal systems sustained during last week's derailment, the MBTA said they are shooting for the end of summer as their goal for fully restoring service levels.
"The MBTA will continue working over the coming weeks to restore segments of the signal system with the goal of further improving service levels by Labor Day," the T said in a release.
The T said that, while this might sound like a long time, it's actually an accelerated repair, considering the age and severity of the damage. Original estimates clocked out closer to a year.
"While we recognize anything but full service falls short of our customers’ expectations, our current recovery schedule reflects the MBTA’s urgent approach to the massive task of returning the Red Line to full service,” MBTA General Manager Steve Poftak said in the release. “As recovery efforts continue, I want to thank the MBTA workforce for their urgency and professionalism, and I want our customers to know that we deeply appreciate their patience.”
Several structures that housed important signaling equipment were damaged by the derailed train.
Workers have been manually switching trains through the JFK/UMass station since the June 11 derailment, causing the 15-20 minute delays riders are currently dealing with.
The transit organization said it has not yet determined the cause of the derailment, but said they have ruled out "Operator error (including speed), foul play, and track infrastructure."
An inspection of all similar cars to the one that derailed was completed as of Friday.
The T's update also touted the plan to spend $8 billion on system-wide improvements over the next five years.
"The MBTA is investing nearly $2 billion in the Red and Orange Line improvement program, which will completely replace the cars and signal systems, and upgrade track and maintenance facilities, of both lines," the release read.
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