Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker was joined by local elected officials and state transportation leaders as he signed the last beam to be hoisted atop CRRC MA's $95 million rail car factory in Springfield, Mass., as part of a "Topping Off" ceremony. "Topping Off" is the term used by ironworkers to indicate that the final piece of steel is being hoisted into place on a large structure.
When completed, the factory will manufacture 284 subway cars for the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority's (MBTA) commuter rail system, including 132 cars for the Red Line and 152 cars for the Orange Line.
"Replacing cars nearly four decades old will help deliver a more reliable and comfortable rider experience," stated Governor Baker. "We remain focused on investing in the core infrastructure at the T to improve our transit system that so many people rely on and we are pleased to celebrate this that also creates local jobs and supports Springfield's economy."
"The T has needed these cars for decades now," remarked Stephanie Pollack, MassDOT secretary and CEO. "Relying on old equipment makes it harder to bounce back from incidents of severe weather."
The 204,000-square-foot factory will employ 150 workers. Construction of the factory is currently ahead of schedule. Other projects include a 2,240-foot dynamic test track and staging/storage area.
The project is expected to be completed in the fall of 2017, with delivery of the first cars scheduled for 2018.