Chelsea residents can expect progress on long-standing safety concerns at train crossings, as officials from the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) committed to prioritizing improvements during a recent Joint Committee on Ways and Means meeting. The discussions highlighted ongoing efforts to address safety requirements mandated by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), particularly regarding noise from train horns and the operation of crossing gates.

The meeting featured remarks from key officials, including the General Manager of the MBTA, who emphasized the importance of collaboration with the city of Chelsea. "We are committed to working with the city on the designs and to see what we can do to expedite that," the General Manager stated, underscoring a renewed focus on timely communication and action. This commitment comes after years of community concerns regarding safety and noise at train crossings, which have been a persistent issue.

To facilitate progress, the General Manager pledged to maintain direct communication with Chelsea's Department of Public Works and the city manager, ensuring that any delays on the MBTA's side are addressed swiftly. "If it's a review of plans, I'll make sure we commit, and I'll have a point of contact for the city of Chelsea to help expedite and move this along," he added.

The meeting also highlighted the need for timely responses from the MBTA, with officials acknowledging that a four-year wait for communication is unacceptable. This acknowledgment reflects a growing urgency to resolve safety issues that have affected the community for years.

As the MBTA moves forward with its plans, residents can look forward to enhanced safety measures at train crossings, which are expected to improve both safety and quality of life in Chelsea. The commitment to follow up with city officials and expedite necessary reviews signals a proactive approach to addressing these critical concerns.