Swampscott Overnight Rail Commotion Likely Done

The overnight racket that disturbed residents near the Swampscott Train Station earlier this week should be done, said Town Administrator Tom Younger. 

He was in touch with state Rep. Lori Ehrlich's office, which, in turn, reached out to the MBTA.

A spokeswoman for Massachusetts Bay Commuter Railroad company said crews worked from 10 p.m. Tuesday to 5 a.m. Wednesday.

The spokeswoman was not 100 percent sure that the overnight was done but she said the after-midnight work on Wednesday may have been the last of it.

The work is part of the railroad tie replacement project beng completed along the Newburyport/Rockport Commuter Rail Line between Lynn and Salem, she said.

The Swampscott work is expected to be finished by Sunday, Oct. 7.  

"The loud noise residents may have heard was tamping, also known as surfacing the rail," the spokeswoman said. "This is a routine part of the rail construction process to ensure the stability of the rails and the bed underneath."

Railroad crews and heavy equipment have been moving along the line in Swampscott since late last month.

Crews were working on the rail section behind Essex Street and near the Swampscott Train Station last week.

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