MBTA South Coast project

[MidlandMike]

Maps indicate that the old Stoughton to Taunton line is dismantled.  I can't see rails on Google Earth south of Stoughton.  One of the links says:

• Installation of approximately 42,000 rail ties and spikes beginning in 2013 along 33 miles of right-of-way leading to Fall River and New Bedford. 

It's not clear that they will have to re-install 16 or so miles of rail, although that is about the right number of ties.

Regarding electrification, they promised to go green and reduce emissions.  Maybe this was a selling point.  Or  maybe with these new lines plus the already electrified Providence line, they have enough critical mass to consider electric.

[blue streak 1]

daveklepper

On the Providence line, substation capacity would have to be doubled to handle MBTA electrified commuter trains,

Might not need to be doubled as my understanding the CAT power New Haven - BOS  was designed to service  2 Acela trains each 12,000 HP  coupled together in each direction at the same time ? But of course some additional reserve power is probably good.  25 Kv AC works well and additional taps to power are easily done using auto transformers.

the Dorchester Branch would have to be electrified.

It certainly could wait for the extension unless enough money is available to complete first.  Much will depend on getting motive power and / or EMUs delivered ?

 

 

[daveklepper]

On the Providence line, substation capacity would have to be doubled to handle MBTA electrified commuter trainis, and the Dorchester Branch would have to be electrified.

[blue streak 1]

 PURE SPECULATION BUT:

1.   If MBTA does go electrification for South Coast.  Then if track work is delayed the electric motors or EMUs for South Coast can be used to Providence or maybe even before South Coast is planned to be complete.

2.   The next heaviest route for electrification would be Worcester

3.  By 10 years the electrification of New Haven - Springfield might be complete.

4.   then the 54 miles from Worcester to Springfield could be subject to electrification when that portion is re double tracked.

5.  That would probably allow a much faster inland route to be implemented ?

6.   If electric motors chosen then a clone of ACS-64s might be purchased ?

 

[blue streak 1]

henry6

Why do you think this might be a mistake? Electric propulsion in commuter service is economical and efficient. It may be abut time MBTA stepped up to the fuse box.

Only meant it as a reporting mistake.  MBTA has indicated that they have not been interested in electrification.

1.  Not implemented electric operation to Providence.  One reason on that route sometimes cited is no wire on the alternate route to BOS from Readville on the Dorchester branch. 

2.  Instead of rebuilding present locos MBTA ordered new diesel locos that are being delivered now.  ( DC traction ? ).

3.  Often cited was electrification too expensive.

Frankly IMHO electrification is the way to go at least on heavy traveled routes   That would reduce operational flexibility for passenger cars is somewhat less unless a quick loco / motor change is possible.  However if EMUs are used that would be a moot point.  .

 

 

[henry6]

Why do you think this might be a mistake? Electric propulsion in commuter service is economical and efficient. It may be abut time MBTA stepped up to the fuse box.

[blue streak 1]

MBTA has issued a design -  (construction )  contract to build the south coast line.  One item says the line will be electrified.  Is this a mistake or is MBTA finally going  for electric propulsion ?

 

http://www.rtands.com/index.php/passenger/commuter-regional/massdot-board-approves-south-coast-rail-project-management-contract.html?channel=288

MBTA announcement also mentions electrification

http://www.mbta.com/about_the_mbta/news_events/?id=6442452483&month=&year=