The shutdown from Oak Grove to Forest Hills will begin at 9 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 19 and end on Monday, Sept. 19, as previously reported by Daily Voice. In addition, the Green Line will be closed from Union Square to Government Center for 28 days starting Monday, Aug. 22, the MBTA adds.
"The Orange Line closure will be used to address a maintenance backlog and planned construction investments," the MBTA said in a statement. "Thirty days of 24-hour access will replace more than five years of Orange Line delays and weekend diversions."
"The closure of the Green Line’s Union Square Branch will allow the T to perform final-phase construction work necessary to open the Medford Branch, which is now anticipated to open in late November 2022," the statement continued.
The T will start posting about the travel changes throughout all Orange Line stations on Friday to show riders alternative travel options. The full extent of these options can be found in the MBTA's Rider's Guide.
Some noticeable highlights are that shuttle buses will run from Oak Grove to Haymarket as well as from Forest Hills to Back Bay. The Commuter Rail will also make additional stops at Forest Hills, Ruggles, Back Bay, North Station, Malden Center and Oak Grove. Both travel options will be free of charge, according to the MBTA.
Riders can also use existing bus and subway services to navigate the city like the Route 39 bus, Silver Lines 4 and 5, the Green Line, and others. Riders are also encouraged to check out the MBTA’s Trip Planner to help plan their commute in advance.
The MBTA is also encouraging anyone who can work from home to do so to help ease the number of commuters during the shutdown. More information can be found online.
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