The entire Orange Line will be closed to riders until September 19 to complete repair work and make safety upgrades.
“The Orange Line closure will address a maintenance backlog and planned construction investments, all of which are focused on safety improvements,” the MBTA said in an August 12 release.
Work includes upgrading signal systems, replacing tracks, and other work as directed by the Federal Transit Association. The MBTA is confident that the work will be completed within the timeframe.
Mayor Michelle Wu said that “the scale of disruption will be very significant.” She added that every Orange Line rider “is guaranteed a way to get where they need to go.” Riders can plan their trips on mbta.com using the Trip Planner tool.
Shuttle Buses
Free, accessible shuttle buses will run between Oak Grove and Haymarket/Government Center, and between Forest Hills and Back Bay/Copley. Riders are encouraged to use the Green Line between Government Center and Back Bay stations.
Accessible Vans
Riders can also request accessible van service. Due to the free shuttle bus service, RIDE trips that begin and end within 3/4 mile of the Orange Line will be free for RIDE users.
Commuter Rail
Commuter Rail riders can show a CharlieCard or CharlieTicket for free service on all lines in Zones 1A, 1, and 2. Additional stops are being made at Forest Hills, Ruggles, Back Bay, North Station, Malden Center, and Oak Grove.
Bluebikes
Free Bluebikes passes are available to anyone, which are good for rides up to 45 minutes.
The Highway Division of MassDOT has warned of increased traffic due to roadway modifications. The MBTA is urging residents to work from home and to limit driving during the shutdown.
The Boston Transportation Department (BTD) transit team is working with their partners at the MBTA and across city departments to look at where they can make changes to streets.
The Orange Line closure coincides with the closure of the Green Line between Union Square and Government Center until September 18. Around 3,500 feet of track will be replaced, and signaling equipment will be changed from analog to digital.
The MBTA call center can be reached at 617-222-3200. For more information, visit mbta.com/schedules/Orange/alerts.