Orange Line Begins 11-Day Shutdown for 55 MPH Upgrades on More Than Half the Route
Updated
Updated · WBUR News · Aug 20
Orange Line Begins 11-Day Shutdown for 55 MPH Upgrades on More Than Half the Route
1 articles · Updated · WBUR News · Aug 20
Summary
Aug. 20 starts an 11-day Orange Line shutdown between Oak Grove and Back Bay, closing more than half the route through Aug. 30 for track and signal work.
MBTA says the upgrades will soon let trains run 55 mph as far south as Community College, extending faster service after trains first hit that speed last year north of Assembly.
Free shuttle buses will replace service between Oak Grove and North Station, with express buses serving Oak Grove, Malden Center, Wellington and North Station.
Oak Grove riders heading downtown should expect at least 70 extra minutes, while the free Haverhill commuter rail to North Station offers a roughly 20-minute alternative from Oak Grove or Malden Center.
Bluebikes is also offering $10 in ride credits during the closure, underscoring the MBTA's push to spread riders across backup options during another major summer disruption.