The MBTA is proposing a "turnback track" right behind homes in the Hancock St/Vine St/High St area, as well as in between two conservation areas (Thelin Bird Sanctuary and Maillet/Sommes Conservation area) to allow it to have trains idle there, turn around, and head back into Boston. The impact will be trains idling weekdays from 5:30am - 7:30pm, 7 hours a day. 

This has potential for severe negative impact on hundreds of homes, multiple schools (Parker Middle School & Austin Prep), conservation areas, elderly housing (Tannerville), and the health of anyone near it. 

The MBTA's goal is to have a train turning on these new tracks EVERY 30 MINUTES (and idling in between). Think of the POLLUTION, NOISE, & INCREASED ROAD CLOSURES IN TOWN. 

Main Street, Woburn Street, Ash Street, & Washington Street will be closing 62 times a day, every 15 minutes, to allow for passing trains that are needed to support this increased service. 

Impacted residents are understandably very upset and have organized an opposition to this, The Reading Turnback Committee (RTC).

We are not anti-train, we are grateful to have access to public transit, but we are not supportive of the turnback track's potential negative impacts to the future of our town. 

Please sign the petition in support of alternatives to this project. 

Find us on Facebook, Reading Turnback Committee, for the most up to date information. 

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