Modified Newburyport Commuter Rail schedule following nor'easter storm surge

As a result of the historic tidal surge that damaged track circuits in Saugus on the Newburyport and Rockport lines, the MBTA commuter rail will operate a modified schedule on the Newburyport and Rockport lines for the remainder of the week through January 12.

This modified schedule is implemented in recognition that trains on the route are subject to delay because of damage to the signaling system. By slightly reducing service the team can prevent those delays from compounding on the line and reduce the overall impact on passengers.
 
Keolis and MBTA teams have worked to rectify the issues that are affecting signals on this section of track since the surge impacted the system. However, salt water, which has frozen into the track bed, contaminated a significant and expanding portion of the system starting on January 4.

Track circuits rely on low voltage electrical current running through the rails to operate.  If the current is disrupted (as happens when a train‘s wheels create a bridge between two rails), signals are designed to turn red.

The salt water is acting as an alternative path for that current to go to ground and is therefore disrupting the signaling system, causing signals to remain at red in certain parts of the line. More than half a mile of track is affected, and removing the contaminated solution is proving extremely difficult. Crews are actively working day and night in order to attempt to rectify the situation.

In selecting the trains to cancel or amend, the team considered alternative arrangements for passengers and tried to minimize inconvenience as much as possible. We appreciate the patience of our customers as MBTA and Keolis teams continue to work 24/7 to repair this issue. Passengers should check schedules at MBTA.com, on Twitter at @MBTA_CR and through T-Alerts.

Canceled Trains & Passenger Alternative

Morning inbound
152 (5:50am Newburyport to North Station).  Alternative is train 154, 6:25am departure
160 (7:55am Newburyport to North Station) will make additional stops, holding at Beverly to assume 192's schedule, 8:33am departure from Beverly

Morning outbound
153 (6:26am North Station to Newburyport).  Alternative is train 155, 7:37am departure which will make an additional stop at Riverworks
191 (7:08am North Station to Salem).  Alternative is train 155, 7:37am departure which will make an additional stop at Riverworks

Evening outbound
113 (3:35pm North Station to Rockport). Alternative is train 115, 4:15pm departure
193 (4:40pm North Station to Beverly). Alternative is train 117, 5:00pm departure which will make additional stops to fully cover 193's schedule
171 (5:40pm North Station to Newburyport). Alternative is train 173, 6:05pm departure

Evening inbound
120 (5:08pm Rockport to North Station). Alternative train is 122, 5:45pm departure
194 (5:35pm Beverly to North Station). Alternative train is 174, 6:20pm departure
176 (7:08pm Newburyport to North Station). Alternative train is 178, 8:10pm departure

Cox Media Group