"Cold, icy weather has caused repeated headaches for some commuter rail riders this week, with the MBTA's Fitchburg Line seeing delays two mornings in a row. Tuesday's rush hour delays stemmed from an issue with train crossings, and a spokesperson for Keolis - which operates the commuter rail - explained that road salt and cyclical freezing and thawing can cause the gates to get stuck down in "safe mode.""
"The Newburyport/Rockport Line also experienced temporary delays Tuesday morning, though Keolis blamed a car that blocked the tracks on the Rockport branch. Greater Boston has been wracked by frigid weather this week, leaving residents bracing for more snow as the National Weather Service predicts " dangerously cold temperatures and wind chills." New England winters can wreak havoc on the commuter rail, particularly during periods of extreme cold or heavy snow and ice, according to the MBTA."
Cold, icy weather produced repeated commuter rail disruptions on the MBTA this week, with the Fitchburg Line delayed two mornings in a row. Tuesday's delays stemmed from train crossing gates getting stuck in "safe mode" after road salt and cyclical freezing and thawing affected mechanisms. Crews repaired the gates, but a weather-related switch problem near Lincoln caused "significant" delays Wednesday morning before repairs restored scheduled service shortly before 9 a.m. The Newburyport/Rockport Line saw temporary delays Tuesday when a car blocked tracks on the Rockport branch. The National Weather Service predicts dangerously cold temperatures and wind chills, and New England winters can further impair rail operations.
Read at Boston.com
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