Weather-related issues cause delays for some MBTA Commuter Rail riders

Transportation

On the bright side, the commuter rail is at least past its “slippery rail” season.

By Abby Patkin

January 21, 2026 | 4:25 PM

1 minute to read

Cold, icy weather has caused repeated headaches for some commuter rail riders this week, with the MBTA’s Fitchburg Line seeing delays two mornings in a row. 

Tuesday’s rush hour delays stemmed from an issue with train crossings, and a spokesperson for Keolis — which operates the commuter rail — explained that road salt and cyclical freezing and thawing can cause the gates to get stuck down in “safe mode.” 

Though crews repaired the crossing gates, the Fitchburg Line experienced “significant” delays again Wednesday morning due to a switch issue near Lincoln, according to the MBTA. 

Keolis confirmed the switch problem was weather-related and said crews were able to make the necessary repairs and get trains back up and running as scheduled. Normal service resumed on the Fitchburg Line shortly before 9 a.m. Wednesday, per the MBTA.

The Newburyport/Rockport Line also experienced temporary delays Tuesday morning, though Keolis blamed a car that blocked the tracks on the Rockport branch. 

Greater Boston has been wracked by frigid weather this week, leaving residents bracing for more snow as the National Weather Service predicts “dangerously cold temperatures and wind chills.” New England winters can wreak havoc on the commuter rail, particularly during periods of extreme cold or heavy snow and ice, according to the MBTA. 

On the bright side, the commuter rail is at least past its “slippery rail” season — the late autumn period during which wet leaves accumulate on the tracks and occasionally muck up riders’ commutes.

Abby Patkin is a general assignment news reporter whose work touches on public transit, crime, health, and everything in between.