Severe flooding in Boston disrupts MBTA Orange Line service as commuters rely on shuttle buses.
Boston’s MBTA Orange Line faced major disruptions due to a nor’easter that struck the area, causing significant flooding near Roxbury Crossing. Shuttle buses were deployed between Back Bay and Forest Hills, with service interruptions occurring as safety concerns arose regarding the electrified third rail. Heavy rainfall and strong winds, recorded at 1.5 inches and gusting up to 54 mph, compounded the situation, leading to transit adjustments and extra shuttle services. By the evening, regular service resumed but highlights the challenges of track flooding during severe weather events.
Boston – The Orange Line service of the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) experienced significant disruptions on Thursday evening as a nor’easter hit the Boston area, leading to flooding conditions near Roxbury Crossing. Shuttle buses replaced regular service between Back Bay and Forest Hills due to the hazardous track conditions caused by high water.
The MBTA announced the service interruption shortly before 7 p.m. Thursday, highlighting safety concerns related to the electrified third rail in the affected area. As water levels rose, it was deemed necessary to halt Orange Line operations between North Station and Forest Hills. By around 8:45 p.m., shuttle buses began operating to connect passengers from Forest Hills to Back Bay. Additionally, an extra shuttle was arranged to aid travel between Back Bay and Copley. Riders were advised to use the Green Line for connections between Copley and North Station during this disruption.
The service disruptions coincided with the onset of the powerful nor’easter, which brought heavy rainfall and strong winds to the region. By 7:30 p.m., the city had recorded approximately 1.5 inches of rainfall. Wind gusts reached 36 miles per hour in Boston and climbed even higher, reaching 54 miles per hour on Nantucket. These extreme weather conditions led the MBTA to suspend service on the Winthrop Ferry late Thursday afternoon due to rough seas.
In light of the flooding, the MBTA implemented a series of transit adjustments. For those needing to travel in the affected areas, passengers were informed of alternate transportation options, including the use of MBTA Bus Route 22 between Ruggles and Jackson Square to accommodate riders impacted by the Orange Line shutdown.
By 10:20 p.m., following efforts to clear the flooding and assess the safety of the tracks, regular Orange Line service resumed with delays being resolved by around 11 p.m. However, the disruptions highlight ongoing challenges the MBTA faces, particularly regarding track flooding, which has been a recurring issue during severe weather conditions in the area.
Notably, track flooding near Ruggles has historically caused delays, with a similar incident occurring during Hurricane Ida in 2021. MBTA workers noted that debris had accumulated near a flat drainage grate within the right-of-way area, prompting immediate action to clear it and considerations for future management strategies to prevent similar incidents.
This rare springtime nor’easter underscores the importance of infrastructure resilience, as the combination of heavy rainfall and powerful winds can significantly disrupt transportation services in urban areas. The MBTA’s quick response to adapt to the evolving conditions reflects their commitment to passenger safety and transportation reliability.
As commuters resume their journeys on Friday, the MBTA will continue to monitor weather conditions and infrastructure integrity to ensure safe and efficient service across the network.
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