Amtrak “key signal bungalow” may take several weeks to repair

A downed Amtrak wire set fire to a “key signal bungalow” near Hyde Park Station last week , causing damage that continues to cause delays on three commuter rail lines and may take several weeks to repair, the commuter rail operator said.

“Amtrak maintenance crews are working closely with the MBTA and Keolis to assess the damage and make necessary repairs,” Keolis said in a statement about the wire that came down on Friday. “Fairmount Line, Franklin/Foxboro Line, and Providence/Stoughton Line passengers should anticipate delays and plan accordingly.”

While repairs are made, trains will run on a different schedule, Keolis said.

On the Franklin/Foxboro Line, inbound trains to Boston will bypass Forest Hills, Ruggles, and Back Bay Stations, Keolis said. 

All inbound trains from Forge Park/495 station in Franklin will originate at Franklin station after 9 AM.

Boston Globe coverage ->  https://www.bostonglobe.com/2025/08/05/metro/commuter-rail-service-disruptions-downed-wire/?s_campaign=8315:varf

MBTA updates -> https://www.mbta.com/schedules/CR-Franklin/alerts

Amtrak “key signal bungalow” may take several weeks to repair

The MBTA Forge Park parking lot will be partially closed from Monday, November 11

Parking Issue Upcoming

The Forge Park parking lot will be partially closed from Monday, November 11, at 8:00 pm to Thursday, November 14, at 5:00 am due to construction. Vehicles left in the lot during these times will be relocated or towed at the vehicle owner’s expense.

From the MBTA Franklin Line alert page 

https://www.mbta.com/schedules/CR-Franklin/alerts

 

The Forge Park parking lot will be partially closed from Monday, November 11

Master Plan Testimony Outline by Max Morrongiello

Below is a copy of an outline of my testimony from last night.

Best,

Maxwell Morrongiello

--------------------

"My Name Is Maxwell Morrongiello. I live at 127 Central Park Terrace

Imagine a not too distant future, where you are in an area with bustling storefronts, a vibrant local economy, and transit oriented housing near a commuter rail and easy access to the highway. 

This, in fact, is not Franklin's downtown, but a revitalized and completely reimagined Forge Park 2 Miles to the west. This Master Plan Committee can lay the groundwork to make this future a reality.

Forge Park should be reimagined to have the following features:

·      Transit Oriented Mixed Use Development with easy access to 495 and the commuter rail

o  Think Assembly Row in Somerville

o  Limited traffic disruption to the rest of town

·      Connection to the Rail Trail

·      The Town should explore private and public bus options including

o  Implementing a Logan Express Bus Service

o  Direct Bus service to Worcester

o  Direct Bus Service to Providence

o  A joint agreement with RIPTA and MASSDOT to provide connection to RIPTA in exchange for increased commuter rail service

o  GATRA Fixed Route service

·      Zipcar and other car rental options

o  Would be utilized by reverse commuters from Boston,

o   Utilized by Franklin residents who don't often need a vehicle

During the Master Plan process Franklin Downtown has received a bulk of the attention. Don't neglect implementing a bright and bold vision for Forge Park!"

The Franklin TV link should bring you directly to Max's comments -> https://www.youtube.com/live/qK0miWgTjaU?si=SdA9QWEeoy3VD3U-&t=2547

Franklin Public Radio extends its tower to improve its signal and reach

When wfpr.fm began broadcasting in 2017, the radio station needed a location for its broadcast tower.  Franklin provided a small patch of land atop Forge Hill, and wfpr provided a home, building, electricity and tower space for the Town's Police and Fire Radio Systems.  

This week Franklin Public Radio and the Town of Franklin extended this infrastructure partnership - literally - to improve the Town's Public Safety Communications.  The tower and antennas are going up - extending another 40 feet.  The additional antenna height increases the reach of the radio signals.  

laying out pieces of what looks like an industrial strength Erector Set

The crew began laying out pieces of what looks like an industrial strength Erector Set.  

assembly instructions

The assembly instructions are similar to the sheet that comes with Ikea furniture - only there are many more sheets.  

assembled 40-foot section

The assembled 40-foot section with antenna side-mounts in place. 

Standing upright next to the tower

Standing upright next to the tower - a last inspection - ready for hoisting to the top.

ready to bolt the new section securely in place

The crew up top, ready to bolt the new section securely in place.  

After a day and a half of careful assembly, the hoist to the top is quick - a short elevator ride.  At 160 feet, the crane makes it all look like child's play.  Another hour of aligning and bolting the section in place and we're ready to add the antennas up top.  The Town is also adding a new antenna for the DPW's water department - more digital radio control infrastructure for managing its water systems.  

This project was first planned last year as part of a multi-phase infrastructure plan to improve town-wide public safety communications over the next two years.  

For more about Franklin Public Radio, visit their home page at wfpr.fm 

Franklin Public Radio extends its tower to improve its signal and reach

MBTA Notices: Franklin/Dean - Forge Park shuttle Sunday; face coverings required May 6

Beginning on Wednesday, May 6 all riders will be required to wear face coverings.

In line with our efforts to help slow the spread of COVID-19, we’ve further postponed all subway diversions through Thursday, May 7. Subway, bus, and Commuter Rail will continue to run at reduced service levels.

This is an ongoing situation, and for the latest information, riders should check mbta.com/coronavirus

-----------

Franklin – Forge Park/495 - Saturdays, May 2 and 9

Shuttle buses replace Franklin Line service between Franklin and Forge Park/495 to allow for track maintenance.   https://www.mbta.com/diversions/franklin-line

 

Shuttle buses replace Franklin Line service between Franklin and Forge Park/495

Reminder: Shuttle between Forge Park, Franklin/Dean on Weekdays - 8 AM – 3:30 PM

South Station – Forge Park/495

Weekdays, 8 AM – 3:30 PM

Through October 2019

Bus shuttles replace Franklin Line service between Forge Park/495 and Franklin stations while we work on a necessary tie job replacement project to improve reliability. Shuttles will operate on a regular train schedule.

This necessary tie job replacement project will improve service and reliability on the Commuter Rail. Additional weekdays may be added as work progresses on the Franklin Line. Please visit https://www.mbta.com/FRKwork for more details about bus shuttle schedules. Passengers may experience delays of up to 15 minutes.

Please note the pickup/drop off locations for shuttle buses:

Franklin:

• Please board in the main station parking lot near the shelter.

Forge Park/495:

• Please board at the end of the driveway to the parking lot.

Affected trips:

• 703 (8:04 am from South Station)
• 710 (9:22 am from Forge Park/495)
• 705 (9:40 am from South Station)
• 712 (10:55 am from Forge Park/495)
• 707 (11:00 am from South Station)
• 714 (12:20 pm from Forge Park/495)
• 709 (12:20 pm from South Station)
• 716 (1:35 pm from Forge Park/495)
• 711 (1:35 pm from South Station)
• 718 (2:57 pm from Forge Park/495)

Updated: 10/7/2019 10:23A


See all Franklin Line service changes
https://www.mbta.com/schedules/CR-Franklin/alerts

Reminder: Shuttle between Forge Park, Franklin/Dean on Weekdays - 8 AM – 3:30 PM

MBTA Commuter Rail: Through Thursday - Franklin Line notice - Shuttle between Franklin/Dean and Forge Park

Weekdays, Monday - Thursday, September 16 - through October, from 8:00 AM - 3:30 PM, shuttle buses will replace Franklin Line service between Forge Park/495 and Franklin due to track maintenance. Passengers may experience delays due to shuttle bus connections.

This necessary tie job replacement project will improve service and reliability on the Commuter Rail. Additional weekdays may be added as work progresses on the Franklin Line. Please visit https://www.mbta.com/FRKwork for more details about bus shuttle schedules.

Please note the pickup/drop off locations for shuttle buses:

Franklin: Please board in the main station parking lot near the shelter.
Forge Park/495: Please board at the end of the driveway to the parking lot.


Affected trips:

703 (8:04 am from South Station)
710 (9:22 am from Forge Park/495)
705 (9:40 am from South Station)
712 (10:55 am from Forge Park/495)
707 (11:00 am from South Station)
714 (12:20 pm from Forge Park/495)
709 (12:20 pm from South Station)
716 (1:35 pm from Forge Park/495)
711 (1:35 pm from South Station)
718 (2:57 pm from Forge Park/495)

For more information: https://www.mbta.com/FRKwork

Last Updated: Oct 01 2019 01:47 PM

crews at work on Tuesday at the Union St crossing

MBTA Franklin Line: Through October 3 - Monday-Thursday between Forge Park and Franklin

Weekdays, Monday - Thursday, September 16 - October 3, from 8:00 AM - 3:30 PM, shuttle buses will replace Franklin Line service between Forge Park/495 and Franklin due to track maintenance. Passengers may experience delays due to shuttle bus connections.

This necessary tie job replacement project will improve service and reliability on the Commuter Rail. Additional weekdays may be added as work progresses on the Franklin Line. Please visit https://www.mbta.com/FRKwork for more details about bus shuttle schedules.

Please note the pickup/drop off locations for shuttle buses:

• Franklin: Please board in the main station parking lot near the shelter.
• Forge Park/495: Please board at the end of the driveway to the parking lot.

Affected trips:

703 (8:04 am from South Station)
710 (9:22 am from Forge Park/495)
705 (9:40 am from South Station)
712 (10:55 am from Forge Park/495)
707 (11:00 am from South Station)
714 (12:20 pm from Forge Park/495)
709 (12:20 pm from South Station)
716 (1:35 pm from Forge Park/495)
711 (1:35 pm from South Station)
718 (2:57 pm from Forge Park/495)

For more information: https://www.mbta.com/FRKwork

Last Updated: Sep 20 2019 11:02 AM

MBTA Franklin Line: Through October 3 - Monday-Thursday between Forge Park and Franklin

Franklin Line notice Weekday Shuttle Service for off peak trips

Weekdays, September 16 - October 3, from 8:00 AM - 3:30 PM, shuttle buses will replace Franklin Line service between Forge Park/495 and Franklin due to track maintenance.

This necessary tie job replacement project will improve service and reliability on the Commuter Rail. Additional weekdays may be added as work progresses on the Franklin Line.

Please note the pickup/drop off locations for shuttle buses:

• Franklin: Please board in the main station parking lot near the shelter.
• Forge Park/495: Please board at the end of the driveway to the parking lot.

Affected trips:

• 703 (8:04 am from South Station)
• 710 (9:22 am from Forge Park/495)
• 705 (9:40 am from South Station)
• 712 (10:55 am from Forge Park/495)
• 707 (11:00 am from South Station)
• 714 (12:20 pm from Forge Park/495)
• 709 (12:20 pm from South Station)
• 716 (1:35 pm from Forge Park/495)
• 711 (1:35 pm from South Station)
• 718 (2:57 pm from Forge Park/495)

Last Updated: Sep 12 2019 03:12 PM 
https://mbta.com/schedules/CR-Franklin/timetable
 

Franklin Line notice Weekday Shuttle Service for off peak trips

"having a ticket is critical to boarding or riding the trains"

From the Boston Globe, articles of interest for Franklin:

"Frustrated by the loss of tens of millions of dollars in uncollected fares, the MBTA will soon require passengers to show their tickets before boarding commuter rail trains at North Station. 

The modest and decidedly low-tech approach will begin in a few weeks, and is the first of several fare-collection initiatives that will affect virtually all commuter rail, subway, and bus riders. 

Commuter rail fares are currently collected by conductors during the trip. The MBTA estimates it loses as much as $30 million a year when collectors run out of time — or give up trying — to check tickets."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2017/07/21/mbta-readies-new-system-for-verifying-passengers-payment/5Ic9pBMl3vOAQp2SmT6ytO/story.html

This MBTA train on July 13 should have gone to Forge Park and then returned to Franklin Dean before going to Boston on schedule. It never made it to Forge Park, left Franklin/Dean late and arrived in Boston late.

Editorial Note: 
As a long time rider from the Franklin/Dean station to Boston's South Station, the T has a mighty challenge at hand. While I absolutely agree ticket revenue is key, it goes hand in hand with a quality delivery of their service which has been lacking. It may very well be a chicken and egg thing (as it what comes first? revenue or service) but I would posit that in the competitive world service comes first. The T is in a non-competitive world and we suffer for it.

For all the improvements that have been made, faulty equipment, and a sorely lacking communication system (that provides timely and accurate info), never mind substandard on-time delivery remain as the top problems, and they are all interrelated. You'd think that by now with all the practice they have (slipped schedules, troublesome equipment, etc.) that the communications would have improved. One could only wish it had.

"You’re part of making people’s lives better"

From the Franklin business radar comes word of this new product offering and ribbon cutting for a company that recently relocated to Franklin:

"Cold Chain Technologies (CCT), the leading source for temperature-controlled packaging solutions for all segments of the life science supply chain and the Parenteral Drug Association (PDA), the leading global facilitator of science, technology and regulatory information are pleased to announce "Temperature Sensitive Packaging and Distribution for Biopharmaceuticals," a new two-day course offering. 

The "Temperature Sensitive Packaging and Distribution for Biopharmaceuticals" course is ideal for professionals employed in roles such as Regulatory Compliance, Quality Assurance, Packaging, Validation and Process Development. Upon completion of the course, attendees will understand the variables involved in designing a thermal packaging system, and learn how to develop and evaluate shipping systems based on a set of requirements including the implementation of a temperature monitoring program for their organization. 

"We are very excited to partner with the world leading Parental Drug Association in sharing the best practices to properly specify and evaluate cold chain packaging. Having a sound understanding of the technical background of cold chain shippers is essential to achieving a safe and cost effective cold chain," states Geoff Kaiser, Director of Engineering and Technical Services at CCT."

Continue reading the press release
http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/cold-chain-technologies-and-the-parenteral-drug-association-team-up-for-a-new-course-offering-300488684.html

"In celebration of our 50 years in thermal packaging design and innovation and the relocation of our corporate headquarters to Franklin, MA, we hosted a grand opening and ribbon cutting on June 1, 2017. 

The event was attended by CCT employees, business associates, and public officials that included Massachusetts Lt. Governor Karyn Polito, State Representative Jeffrey Roy, Lisa Nelson on behalf of US Congressman Joseph Kennedy III, Peter Milano from the Massachusetts Office of Business Development, Greg Casey on behalf of US State Senator Richard Ross, Town of Franklin Administrator Jeffery Nutting, Town of Franklin Council Member Andy Bissanti, Edward Kriegsman of Kriegsman & Kriegsman, Bonnie Sullivan of Middlesex Savings Bank, Julia Dvorko of the Massachusetts Export Center and more."

Continue reading the Cold Chain Technology blog post
http://www.coldchaintech.com/events/cct-hosts-grand-opening-ribbon-cutting-event/

CCT-Grand-Opening-Group-Photo

For more about Cold Chain Technology, visit their webpage
http://www.coldchaintech.com/

QinetiQ North America expands to Franklin

From the business radar, QinetiQ North America expands to Franklin.

"Transwestern Consulting Group (TCG) brokered the $6.4 million sale of 130 Constitution Blvd. in Franklin, Ma, on behalf of Novaya Real Estate Ventures. 

The 59,970-square-foot industrial building was purchased by Albert Milstein, Barry Kirschenbaum and Sanford Bokor. TCG Partners John Lashar and Chris Skeffington, along with Vice President Roy Sandeman, represented the seller and assisted in sourcing the buyer. 

Novaya purchased the building in 2013 as part of a two-building portfolio in a transaction also brokered by TCG and has since launched a significant capital improvement campaign. Novaya completed a full “vacancy preparation” repositioning of the building, which included painting the warehouse, a floor strip and seal, installing new lighting, and upgrading the dock doors with new levelers. In addition, a new roof and upgraded HVAC units were installed as part of the overall improvement campaign. 

“Novaya did an outstanding job repositioning 130 Constitution Blvd. into a first-class flex/manufacturing facility that really stands out in one of Greater Boston’s strongest submarkets,” said Skeffington. “The new ownership is purchasing a well-located asset that is 100 percent leased to a long-term, well-capitalized tenant.”

Continue reading the full article online
http://bostonrealestatetimes.com/transwestern-consulting-group-brokers-building-sale-on-behalf-of-novaya-real-estate-ventures/

The "well-capitalized tenant" is QinetiQ North America. From the company webpage:

"QinetiQ North America (QNA) shapes the future with innovative products, advanced engineering and research and development for government, civilian, utility and commercial customers worldwide. We pride ourselves on developing, delivering and supporting a portfolio of industry-leading products that have been used and tested for decades. 

We are the world leaders in unmanned systems with proven innovations in military protection technology including ground and aircraft armor, RPG protection, and soldier protection systems. We also offer innovative technologies and products for the maritime, utility and commercial safety market. Together, our products aid in situational awareness, protect customer assets, increase mission effectiveness, reduce operational costs and save lives."

Find out more about their products  https://www.qinetiq-na.com/products/

Visit their YouTube channel  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1ZtYN59WSfHOPKCy5y1exg

https://twitter.com/QinetiQNorthAm

Ash Wednesday - “Ashes to Go”

“Remember you are dust, and to dust you shall return...”

On Ash Wednesday, March 1st, the clergy of St. John's Episcopal Church, Rev. Dee Woodward and Rev. Chris Beukman, will be offering the Administration of Ashes at Forge Park Station in Franklin between 6:45 am until 8 am. 

All are welcome to partake.

Forge Park/495 station in 2010 (image via Wikipedia)

Franklin Line notice - Forge Park Station platform

The mini high platform is closed at Forge Park/ 495 Station today due to track work. A portable lift is available.

Affected stops:

• Forge Park/495

Last updated: Dec 03 2016 06:54 AM

Franklin Line MBTA train arriving at Franklin Dean Station

Attention - Commuter Rail Alert: September 26: Franklin Line shuttle

Buses will replace Franklin Line train service between Forge Park/495 and Franklin Stations on Sept 26 from 6:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. due to necessary railroad crossing replacement. Due to crews performing work on a necessary railroad crossing replacement, buses will replace Franklin Line trains between Forge Park/495 and Franklin Stations in both directions from approximately 6:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday, September 26, 2015. All shuttle bus stops are accessible for persons with disabilities. Shuttling the following stops: Franklin Forge Park / 495 Last updated: Sep 18 2015 06:12 AM Sent by the MBTA.

The white stones at Franklin Dean Station

There are five railroad crossings between Forge Park and Franklin Dean Station. Which one of the street crossing will be also closed by this is not yet known.

Forge Parkway, Grove St, Beaver St, Fisher St, and Union St. Beaver St was worked on during July 2013.

Franklin's Tegra Medical employees get wet in fund raiser

Tegra Medical

From Christine at Tegra Medical, 9 Forge Park, Franklin:

"We had our company picnic Thursday and received an overwhelming amount of donations for the Franklin Food Pantry. 

We also raised over $2,000 for The Tomorrow Fund at Hasbro Children's Hospital of RI. 

The employees bought tickets to dunk their favorite supervisors (pictures also included below)."

Bill C ready for the dunk tank

Bob and Chris ready for the dunk tank

group photo of Tegra Medical employees

Franklin, MA: Economic Development Summit

On April 5, 2012 Franklin will host an economic development summit including tours of Tegra Medical's award winning facility. Details can be found in the invitation document below. RSVP by April 1 to Bryan Taberner, Franklin's Director of Planning and Community Development.


Franklin, MA: 2012 Economic Development Summit Invitation

"We outgrew our space"

A Hopkinton manufacturer of storage systems for life sciences and laboratory companies is constructing a new 51,000-square-foot facility in Franklin, where it expects to house 55 jobs and add more in the coming years. 

Hamilton Storage Technologies recently received approval from the state for a tax increment financing plan, or TIF, worth $190,000 that the Town of Franklin had previously approved in September.

The company expects to spend $16 million to construct the facility on Forge Parkway.

Read more in the remainder of the column in the Worcester Business Journal

This is a follow up to the news and transactions around the Town Council approval for Hamilton Storage Technology

Franklin Matters: Hamilton Storage Technology

Franklin Matters: Hamilton Storage Technologies

Making the way for dogs!

A dog park has been part of Franklin's open space plan since 2009, said Town Planner Beth Dahlstrom, but hasn't been a priority in past years. When Goulet began work on the project about five months ago, she contacted Town Administrator Jeffrey Nutting, who helped her figure out where to put the park, and to which departments she needed to talk. 

"It's something that's been in our master plan for some time and she's taking the initiative. That's great," said Nutting. "We hope she can move ahead with this in the next several months." 

To get the park opened, Goulet coordinated volunteers to help her clear the proposed space in Dacey Field, on the far side of the walking path between the sport field and playground; sought donations from local businesses and price quotes on fencing, mulch, trash bins and signs; and built a website, franklindogpark.webs.com, where people can go for more information.

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/archive/x1752170060/Girl-helping-Franklin-establish-dog-park#ixzz1W7v3QfOE

"needs to open its doors in Franklin within 18 months"

Steve Senna, a project manager with National Development in Newton, said Hamilton Storage Technologies wants to combine its Hopkinton and Milford offices into a new, 50,000-square-foot building at the intersection of Rte. 140 and Forge Parkway. 

"We thank you for the opportunity to present what we think is a very exciting and in these times very rare development opportunity," Senna told the board. 

The company, which manufacturers refrigerators used in laboratories and also has its European headquarters in Switzerland, was attracted to the 8-acre, 3 Forge Parkway lot because it is close to Interstate 495, commuter rail and a hotel, Senna said. 

Many of Hamilton Storage Technologies' employees live nearby and its clients often come from out-of-state for a week to see how its refrigerators operate, he said.

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/archive/x1757338933/High-technology-company-eyes-move-to-Franklin#ixzz1Pu42d2CG