5/27/2020 Press Conference on COVID-19 Updates

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On May 27th, Governor Baker gave a press conference to provide a COVID-19 update on Testing, Hospitalizations, MBTA, and MassDOT.

Here is the summary.

Testing

  • As of yesterday, 4,920 tests were reported which brings the total number of tests conducted in MA to 545,000.

    • The average positive test rate is down to about 8.6% and has been for about a week. 

Hospitalizations

  • There are currently 2,100 patients hospitalized due to COVID-19. 

MBTA

  • The MBTA continues to move forward on its $8 billion capital improvement plan.

    • 400 Red and Orange Line cars will be replaced. 

    • Modernizing stations.

    • Upgrading track/signals and infrastructure. 

  • Last year, the MBTA executed a plan for several infrastructure projects across the Red, Orange, and Green Lines. These were delivered 2 years faster than they would have been if they used traditional processes. 

  • In February, the MBTA did Phase 2 of their plan to pursue further accelerated work into 2020. This consisted of updating Blue Line track through 12-14 weekend diversions later this year. 

  • There will be a 14 day diversion taking place between Bowdoin and Airport stations, beginning on Monday May 18th and scheduled to finish Sunday, May 31st. These infrastructure upgrades will improve flood resilience and prevent water leaks and corrosion and improve travel time for Blue Line riders. The work will include: 

    • Replace 2,200 feet of track between Maverick and Aquarium to help remote longstanding speed restrictions. 

    • Install new truck pad near the Airport Station.

    • Relocate fire standpipe

    •  Work on Harbor Tunnel leak mitigation 

    • Drainage work between Maverick and Aquarium. 

  • At this point, all 2,200 feet of track have been replaced. 40 fare gates have been overhauled at various Blue Line stations. 2,200 feet of fire standpipes have been demolished and 1,800 feet of pipe has been replaced. The work will be done 2 months sooner than previously planned since they diverted service. 

  • In August of 2020, sections of track between Bowdoin and Airport are scheduled to close for additional Harbor Tunnel improvements. Since May 18th, the MBTA has been running shuttles between Bowdoin and Airport stations while also running direct shuttles between Airport and Government Center. 

  • Lynn Commuter Rail service on the Newburyport and Rockport Line has been granted temporary Zone 1A fare status from May 22nd to the 31st.

    • This will help those who transfer to the Blue Line at Wonderland Station and people in the North Shore who travel to downtown Boston. 

  • The MBTA has also accelerated the scheduled work on the Lowell Commuter Rail to take advantage of low ridership numbers. 

    • From May 18th to the 24th, the MBTA closed the Lowell Commuter Rail Line between Anderson and North Station to support construction of Green Line Extension project. 

  • The MBTA has stepped up their cleaning protocols.

    • Often cleaning all high contact areas at subway stations.

    • Rear door boarding on buses and trolleys.

    • Launched public messaging campaign at stations to ride safe and wear face covering

MassDOT

  • The Department of Transportation will exceed its transportation investment goal of $1.4 billion in fiscal year 2020. 

    • Doubling investment in maintenance and modernization from less than 5 years ago. 

  • They are urging employers to work with them as they gradually bring workers back, especially in Boston. 

  • They are urging employers to think about options like working from home and staggered start times.