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Orange Line Shutdown: Track Upgrades Cause Major Disruption
18 Aug
Summary
- Orange Line service will be suspended between Oak Grove and Back Bay stations.
- Free shuttle buses and Commuter Rail service will be provided as alternatives.
- Extensive track and signal upgrades will be completed during the shutdown.
Orange Line service between the Oak Grove and Back Bay stations will be suspended from August 20 to August 30. This 11-day shutdown is necessary for significant track and signal upgrades by the MBTA. During this period, commuters will have access to several alternative transportation options.
Free shuttle buses will operate between Oak Grove and North Station, with express service at key locations. Additionally, fare-free Commuter Rail service will be available on the Haverhill Line, connecting Oak Grove and North Station. Those traveling downtown are encouraged to use the parallel Green Line service between North Station and Copley.
The extensive maintenance work includes replacing rail fasteners, rails, plates, and insulators in various sections of the line. Signal rack relocations and final signal completion work are also scheduled. The MBTA emphasized that a multi-day shutdown is the most efficient approach for this extensive work, allowing for 24/7 operations by multiple crews.
