Improvements at MBTA’s Codman Yard beginning by end of year

Sept. 30, 2022
The improvements will provide maintenance and capacity upgrades to the Red Line.

As part of the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority’s (MBTA) Capital Programs, the Capital Transformation Team is setting the stage for the work to be completed at Codman Yard.  

The Codman Yard Expansion and Improvements project includes replacing existing tracks and adding six new storage tracks within the existing yard to hold 36 additional Red Line vehicles, increasing yard capacity by more than 50 percent. MBTA will hold a virtual public meeting to inform the public about the project on Oct. 13.  

“The work to be completed at Codman Yard will assist in the revitalization of the Red Line” said MBTA General Manager Steve Poftak. “With safety as our top priority, upgrades and improvements to come at Codman Yard will create a safer, more efficient yard for MBTA employees as well as an overall improved space where Red Line trains can be cleaned, stored and maintained. Improvements made at Codman Yard will also support the commissioning of our new and improved Red Line fleet, bringing the benefits of capacity and reliability to our riders.” 

Codman Yard is one of several yards on the Red Line that stores, maintains and inspects Red Line vehicles and is located just beyond Ashmont Station in Dorchester. The yard was last rebuilt in the 1980s and can currently hold up to 70 Red Line vehicles. Improvements made to Codman by the Red Line Transformation team will bring the yard into a state of good repair while also increasing the yard’s capacity and improving the overall quality of service for Red Line riders. 

“The improvements made at Codman will not only benefit Red Line riders but also the yard’s neighboring communities,” said MBTA Chief of Capital Transformation Angel Peña. “The Capital Transformation team looks forward to continuing work with community groups neighboring the yard to ensure these upgrades are completed as safely and efficiently as possible. As always, the team is also looking for ways to expedite this work, delivering these improvements as quickly as possible to our riders while minimizing disruption to our neighbors.” 

Additional upgrades include improving the vehicle wash and replacing several elements including inspection pits, the Ashmont double rail crossover, lighting and power. These efforts will provide an expanded, improved and fully functioning yard. Crews will begin mobilization in November 2022 in preparation for construction in early 2023. The projected completion date is in fall 2025, but the Capital Transformation team is always considering alternatives to accelerate the construction timeline. 

Capital Transformation follows a holistic approach to transforming the Green, Orange and Red Lines. The program is aligned by six Levels of Transformation: Improving Safety & Bringing Infrastructure into a State of Good Repair, Enhancing Accessibility, Replacing Legacy Fleets, Increasing Passenger Capacity, Modernizing Rider Experience and Expanding Service.