MBTA will close Green Line in December to complete track repair project

BOSTON — A 15-day closure of a portion of the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority’s Green Line is scheduled for December — the last such suspension planned under the agency’s long-running Track Improvement Program and the final removal of speed restrictions on the MBTA rail transit network.

The agency also slightly revised its plans for a maintenance closure of the Red Line, which was scheduled to begin Sunday evening, Nov. 17.

Three service suspensions are also planned for the MBTA commuter rail system on the Fitchberg, Franklin and Lowell lines in December.

Red Line suspension

Red Line closure previously planned between Harvard and Broadway stations for November 18-23 (see “MBTA is arranging for closures of Red and Green lines…” trains News Wire, Oct. 22, 2024) added a Nov. 24 extension between Harvard and JFK/UMass in addition to the shutdown starting at 8:30 p.m. Sunday. MBTA said: a press release It was stated that the change “reflects the logistical challenges associated with placing construction equipment on and off the tracks in this complex area.” More information about options for travelers available here.

Green Line work

The Green between Park Street and Union Square, as well as Medford/Tufts, are scheduled to close for 15 days from Dec. 6-20. Shuttle buses will replace trains between North Station and Medford/Tufts. Between Park Street and North Station, drivers should use the Orange Line. To reach Union Square, passengers must use existing bus routes, including 86, 91, and CT2 between Union Square and East Somerville on the Medford Branch. When bus routes change on Dec. 15, passengers must use the new route 109, which runs from Sullivan Square to Union Square to Harvared Square.

Shuttle bus passengers must allow at least 35 minutes of additional travel time.

Commuter rail suspensions

— Service on the Fitchburg line will be suspended between Littleton/495 and Wachusett Dec. 6-8 and Dec. 14-15 to allow for bridge inspection and Automated Tram Control operations. Free shuttle buses will replace trains.

— Operations on the Franklin line, Forge Park/495 through Readville, will be suspended Dec. 7-8 and trains will be replaced by free shuttle buses. This will accommodate the following work East Street Bridge replacement project.

— Service on the Lowell line will be suspended between North Station and Lowell Dec. 7-8 and Dec. 21-22 and Anderson/Woburn and Lowell Dec. 14-15. Free shuttle buses will replace trains.

See MBTA press release For more information.