News Summary
The MBTA is set to close the Red Line partially for maintenance this weekend, affecting Kendall/MIT and JFK/UMass stations. Shuttle buses will serve for affected riders, facilitating connections to commuter rail lines. This closure will extend into next weekend as well. Riders are advised that travel times may increase due to expected traffic delays. The MBTA stresses the importance of maintenance for safe transit. Fare-free commuter rail services will be available during this period, alongside accessibility upgrades at Jackson Square Station in Jamaica Plain.
Boston – The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) has announced a partial shutdown of the Red Line for maintenance this weekend, impacting service from Thursday at 8:30 p.m. until Sunday. This closure will specifically affect the Kendall/MIT and JFK/UMass stations, necessitating the use of shuttle buses for affected riders. Shuttle services will stop at South Station to allow access to commuter rail lines.
This maintenance work will also require another shutdown of the Red Line next weekend, starting on July 17 at 8:30 p.m. and ending on July 20, with the same stations affected. During both shutdowns, fare-free commuter rail services will be available for riders between South Station and Braintree, as well as between North Station and Porter.
Shuttle buses during this week’s closure will provide connections to several stations including State (for access to the Orange and Blue lines) and Haymarket (for access to the Orange and Green lines). However, the shuttle service will not stop at Park Street. It is important for riders to note that due to potential traffic delays, travel times may increase by an estimated 30 to 45 minutes.
Fare-Free Services and Upcoming Closures
As an added benefit, riders using shuttle buses will have their fares waived at affected stations, which include JFK/UMass, Kendall/MIT, Haymarket, State, and South Station. The Red Line will again close for similar maintenance next weekend at the same times as this weekend’s closure.
In addition to the Red Line disruptions, the Orange Line will experience a partial shutdown the weekend of July 26 and 27, affecting service between Wellington Station in Medford and Back Bay Station. During this closure, shuttle buses will operate between Wellington and North Station. The MBTA plans to accommodate affected riders by providing increased Green Line service during this period.
Accessibility Upgrades and Future Commuter Rail Service
Further, the MBTA has announced that accessibility upgrades at Jackson Square Station in Jamaica Plain will result in service closures in late July and throughout August. Customers are encouraged to take advantage of free commuter rail services between Worcester and Framingham when the Framingham commuter rail line is also shut down on July 26-27.
To provide additional transportation options during this maintenance period, riders can also get five free Bluebike unlocks by using the code MBTAREDJUL10.
Importance of Maintenance Work
The MBTA emphasizes that these disruptions are necessary for regular planned maintenance that ensures the safety and reliability of their transportation services. Riders are encouraged to stay informed about service changes and consider alternative travel plans during these periods.
As these service modifications are set in place, passengers should plan accordingly for their journeys and expect some delays. The MBTA remains committed to maintaining a well-functioning transit system while prioritizing the needs of its users.
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Additional Resources
- Boston.com: MBTA Red Line Partial Shutdowns
- Google Search: MBTA Red Line shutdowns
- NBC Boston: MBTA Red Line Track Inspection
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Transportation in Boston
- MassLive: July’s Scheduled MBTA Shutdowns
- Google News: MBTA news
