Abington town officials want MBTA Commuter Rail to slow down
After years of crashes along the tracks, town officials are pushing the MBTA and Keolis to make improvements at seven commuter rail crossings in Abington.
“A little more attention needs to be paid and I think Keolis and MBTA have had plenty of time to look at that,” said Abington Town Manager Scott Lambiase.
Lambiase hired transportation safety consultants in 2022 to study the town’s railroad crossings following the death of 18-year-old Katelyn McCarthy in May. The Abington High School senior was hit and killed by a commuter rail train at Birch St. while walking across the tracks with a friend. Engineers from TrafInfo are expected to present their recommendations to Abington’s Board of Selectmen in the coming weeks.
The town provided Boston 25 News a map showing 12 reported incidents along the tracks since 1997, including six fatalities. One of the incidents involved a 78-year-old man who was killed crossing North St. in 2017 when a train collided with his pick-up truck. Two more cars were hit by trains in 2018 and 2020 resulting in no injuries.
Lambiase said the MBTA Commuter Rail can travel up to 70 mph through Abington.
“It’s surprising how fast they can come by,” Lambiase said. “I don’t believe it is necessary to go that fast.”
An MBTA spokesperson said the crossings in Abington meet federal standards and are equipped with flashing lights, bells and gates.
“Motorists should never attempt to “beat a train” when they see the crossing lights flashing and motorists should never drive around lowered gates. If pedestrians need to cross a railroad, they should use only designated crossings, look both ways, and cross the tracks quickly, without stopping,” MBTA Spokesperson Joe Pesaturo said in an email.
Abington Selectman Alex Bezanson said he’s been asking the MBTA to make changes since 2016.
“I just think they need to slow it down. Other towns around the South Shore—Scituate, Cohasset, Hingham—don’t have the problems we have,” Bezanson said.
“Why haven’t there been more changes? Why is it that we even have to go through this study and this process to bring it to their attention and say, ‘We need to see something done here. This is unacceptable,’” Lambiase said. “I would like to see them come out and make some upgrades to crossing signals, gates, signage.”
This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.
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