New electrified Ovington Commuter Express Service between Central and Shannagh Point begins on Saturday, March 7th at the beginning of the service day at 4:00am.
Re-electrification of the existing North Side Line
The project began in 2005 when the old 25kv AC catenary was upgraded to 60kv AC between 2005 and 2007. It involved replacing the two transformers in each substation which feed the electricity to the train. There are 7 substations between the current location of NOMAS (North Mastic) Interlocking and MYSTIC Interlocking, and each substation cost 300,000 bucks a pop, so you do the math. There are 2 transformers per substation, and there are 7 substations. Multiply 7 by 2, you get 14. There are 14 transformers. 14 multiplied by 300,000 is 4,200,000. Therefore, $4,200,000 was spent on new transformers for the substations. The time was also taken to replace the catenary as it was about 90 years old, and it was a good idea to get it done while the other components were being replaced.
Electrification of the existing North City Line
The existing North City Line (C train) was electrified between BELL interlocking east to the end of the track just east of Westport between 2009 and 2014. Various substations and breaker houses were built between the two aforementioned locations. As of this posting, the system is under test.
Construction of new track between Westport and MASTIC interlocking
A new electrified double track between Westport and NOMAS interlocking was built between 2007 and 2014. Most of it was on an existing embankment abandoned in 1983 by the Coal Railroad when the port was shut down. A new rapid transit style elevated line was built to connect the existing section to the embankment. The tracks were completely replaced as they has rusted out completely. The tracks were also electrified, as usual. One new station known as North Mastic was built about halfway down. It has a single 8.5 multilevel car high-level island platform.
Electrification of the existing Shannagh Point Branch
The Shannagh Point Branch has existed since 1884. It was a freight only branch serving the port. In 1968 it was grade separated and had Mystic Center, Loring Avenue , and Shannagh Point stations open on the new embankment. When the transit center was opened in 1987, Shannagh Point station was moved to the end of the embankment, and renamed Shannagh Ferry, in reference to the ferry terminal. During grade separation, provisions were made for substations and breaker houses, but there was no need to electrify the line, as they could just use 87-N class dual-mode locomotives. But Ovington Commuter Express will not operate electric push-pull trains for any reason. So now was the time to electrify the line. The project was started in 2013 and in service on January 10th, 2015.
What is to become of the surplus equipment?
The MU cars will displace many push-pull cars. The Comet V cars will be sold to a new commuter rail start-up in Cornmeal. Many GP40-PH locomotives will also be sold. The F40PH locomotives are from the early days of Ovington Commuter Express and will be scrapped, as they are too old for resale, and are in poor condition. The Genesis locomotives, 50 GP40-PH locomotives and the Multilevels are staying, because the City Loop is still diesel territory.
Also, before I forget, some MU cars will run on the A line to replace the 80 year old MP54 cars. They were going to go sometime.
What about the South Ovington Service?
Every other train will operate to/from South Ovington, with electric equipment.
When is this post going to end?
Almost there.
Okay.
One final thing, on the first two days of service, fares will not be collected at new stations.
That is all.
