MBTA investigating after construction vehicles derail during Orange Line shutdown

BOSTON — Transit officials are investigating after a pair of construction vehicles derailed this week, just days after the entire Orange Line closed for 30 days worth of repairs.

The rear wheels of a stationary piece of construction equipment slipped off the rails just north of Wellington station on Monday around 7:20 p.m., an MBTA spokesperson said. Investigators believe that the rainy and slick conditions may have contributed to the incident.

A piece of equipment used for rail and tie replacement work derailed near the Ruggles crossover in the area of Mass Ave station, the spokesperson added. The cause of this derailment remains under investigation.

The spokesperson noted that the incidents will not have an adverse impact on the Orange Line work schedule.

The 11-mile subway line closed Friday night and will remain offline until Sept. 18.

The MBTA is hoping to complete a years’ worth of repairs during the shutdown, which comes after a critical review by the Federal Transit Administration.

Through three days, crews have replaced 2,400 feet of rail and eliminated a slow zone between State Street and Downtown Crossing.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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