It's a new week — and a new month. The start of meteorological winter is making its presence known with a blustery storm tomorrow that could drop plowable snow across New England. The line between snow and rain still looks uncertain, but you can get meteorologist Danielle Noyes' full forecast on the storm sent directly to your inbox later today when you sign up for our new Weather Alerts email. Now, let's get to the news: Back on track: After nearly five months of limited service, the MBTA's Fairmount commuter rail line returns to its normal schedule today. Crews spent the summer and fall replacing 28 miles of track to prepare the line for the arrival of electric, battery-assisted trains. The work meant big gaps in the middle of the day with no trains on the Fairmount Line. But it sets the stage for cleaner, more frequent service in the near future. - Catch up: The MBTA's approved a plan in July 2024 to bring battery-electric trains to the Fairmount Line, replacing the current diesel fleet. The Fairmount Line is the MBTA's shortest commuter rail line, running from South Station to Readville in the southern tip of Boston. It would also be the first in Massachusetts to run 100% electric trains. The first trains are expected to arrive in early 2028.
- For riders: After years of advocacy, the Fairmount Line now runs trains every 30 minutes throughout most of the day. However, electric trains can accelerate and slow down quicker, allowing the T to ramp up service even more. According to Gov. Maura Healey's office, the new trains would run every 20 minutes on weekdays.
- For neighbors: The switch also means "notably less air pollution" in the areas served by the Fairmount Line. Diesel engines emit a slew of pollutants that can aggravate respiratory conditions like asthma. A report by the city in 2023 found Mattapan, one of the majority Black neighborhoods the Fairmount Line serves, had the highest rates of asthma-related emergency department visits in the city.
- Meanwhile at South Station: The MBTA is planning to activate the newly installed fare gates at South Station's commuter rail and Amtrak platforms this month. (T officials say they'll announce a specific date after they finish testing.)
In court: Opening statements begin today in the trial of a Cohasset man accused of killing his wife nearly three years ago. Prosecutors say Brian Walshe killed and dismembered his 39-year-old wife, Ana Walshe, after a 2023 New Year's party. Her body was never found. But according to prosecutors, Brian Walshe made multiple online searches for things like “dismemberment and best ways to dispose of a body" and a man resembling Walshe was seen on video throwing what appeared to be heavy trash bags into a dumpster not far from their home. - Last month, Walshe pleaded guilty to lesser charges of misleading police about his wife's disappearance and disposing of her body. He remains on trial for a single count of first-degree murder — to which he pleaded not guilty.
Meanwhile on the South Shore: More than 100 residents of a nursing home in Rockland were evacuated on Saturday afternoon due to a fire at the facility. No injuries were reported, and crews were able to quickly put out the blaze. However, water damage has left all 102 residents of Webster Park Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center displaced. Many have relocated to nearby nursing homes, according to a Facebook post from Scituate's fire fighters, who assisted in the response. - According to The Boston Globe, state fire officials suspect the fire originated from an electrical issue with a bathroom ceiling fan on the third floor. But the investigation remains ongoing.
Heads up, drivers: The Callahan Tunnel will be closed again between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. for three nights this week, tonight through Wednesday, as MassDOT crews continue maintenance work on the North End's Richmond Street Bridge. Drivers coming into the city from I-93 southbound and the Haymarket on-ramp will be detoured through Seaport over to the Ted Williams Tunnel eastbound. - The good news is the end is (seemingly) near: MassDOT expects the bridge maintenance work will be complete by the end of the year.
P.S. — Boston is celebrating the grand reopening of the renovated Copley Square Park this evening with the plaza's first tree lighting since 2022. There'll be music, crafts and food from 4-6 p.m. (And yes, Santa Claus and Rudolph will be there, too.) |
