Dear Reading Votes,

Soon after the MBTA Communities plan approval, Reading now faces another major MBTA project barreling down the tracks.

The MBTA proposes to build a 4,500-foot turnback track, allowing trains to turn around and head back towards Boston on the main line. This would allow for more frequent trips between Reading and Boston at a cost of $15-$20 million.

The track would be placed alongside residential, school, and preservation areas, sparking concerns among residents. The trains would idle noisily for hours and generate emissions. Residents want to know why the track can’t be built in existing industrial or commercial areas instead—if it must be built at all.

You can view drone footage of the impacted area here. Please also tune into a recent community meeting with in-depth information on what this means for Reading.

Make Your Voice Heard

The issue is up for discussion at the Select Board meeting on TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 4 at 7:00 pm at Town Hall.

The agenda and more information are here.

Please attend and weigh in on this significant project.

Until next time,

Reading Votes