MBTA Settles On Rail Ties For $6 Million

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority has settled its lawsuit over defective railroad ties.

The MBTA will receive $6 million from the Denver-based manufacturer. That's $71 million less than the T spent replacing the concrete ties.

"It's a very small fraction of what the users of the T, the ratepayers and the taxpayers of the commonwealth are now going to have to pay to rectify the situation," Sen. Robert Hedlund said.

Acting MBTA General Manager Jonathan Davis says the settlement is in the agency's best interest.

"I am upset about the fact that the ties did not last for their intended useful life, but again, we did have to weigh the risks and costs of any further action, which would have probably been a trial," Davis said.

"We would be tied up in court for several years and would incur significant attorney fees to try this and the outcome would be uncertain," Davis added.

Davis says the T will not purchase any more concrete rail ties.