While this is the last thing any of us needed right now, the MBTA is shutting down part of the Red Line again in Boston starting this weekend. The Red Line from the JFK/UMass Station through Ashmont and Mattapan Stations will be shut from Saturday, October 14 through Sunday, October 29, so the MBTA can work on fixing the slow zones in this part of the line.
Will there be shuttle buses replacing the Red Line service?
Yes, shuttle buses will replace the Red Line and make all the stops. The shuttle buses are supposed to run every five to six minutes during peak travel hours on weekdays and every 10 to 15 minutes during weekends and off-peak hours.
Why is the Red Line shutting down parts of service right now?
According to MBTA General Manager Phillip Eng, “The upcoming work on the Ashmont Branch and Mattapan Line is critical to addressing and improving safety and reliability along this stretch of the Red Line, and the complete closure of these lines allows us to accomplish vital work in 16 days.”
What else do we need to know about the Red Line shutdown this October?
The shutdown will not impact service on the Braintree Branch or the section that heads to Alewife. Obviously, expect slower travel times in general though.
This shutdown is necessary because “The MBTA is able to expedite this important work by working around the clock for 16 days with unencumbered access, which would have otherwise taken six months to complete if crews only worked during nights and weekends.”
The construction crews will also be doing routine maintenance during the shutdown as well, including: replacing light bulbs, deep cleaning and doing paint touch-ups.