 The frequent blockage of the crossing by passing trains reduces capacity in the intersection by 21% during the morning rush and 16% in the afternoon, resulting in delays and traffic jams in the downtown area.Increased service levels planned by the MBTA would result in morning capacity reduction of 34% and afternoon reduction of 28%.The first discussion of improving the intersection and grade crossing was a study in 1898, since which there have been about three dozen more.