A portion of the MBTA’s Red Line will be closed for the next 16 days, affecting about 44,000 riders while crews work to replace some of the oldest tracks in the T system.
The T is suspending service on the Ashmont Branch between JFK/UMass and Ashmont stations and the Mattapan Line between Ashmont and Mattapan stations effective October. 14-29 so the crew can work to address the current speed restrictions.
Service on both lines will resume on October 30.
Free shuttle buses will replace train and trolley service while the work is completed. Buses will run every 5-6 minutes during peak hours on weekdays, and every 10-15 minutes during weekdays and weekends outside of peak hours.
In addition to shuttle buses, there will be other options for those affected by the closure as well, according to Boston Mayor Michelle Wu.
“We are doing this in a way that takes into account that residents will need other alternatives,” Wu said.
“The integrity of the MBTA system is critical, and this 16-day closure allows us to address many of the worst Red Line speed restrictions much faster than we were able to accomplish while working nights and weekends.” MBTA General Manager and CEO Philip Ng said.
The two entities will also make the Vermont Commuter Line free and make Bluebikes more accessible.
The MBTA said Thursday that a portion of the Red Line will be closed for two weeks in October.
The Ashmont branch serves about 40,000 riders daily, and the Mattapan Line another 3,700, according to the MBTA.
“It’s frustrating. There’s a guy I work with who comes from Quincy and it takes an hour to get here. For me, I live close by but there’s still 20 minutes of time, and how long is it going to take until that red line runs?” said Red Line rider Colin Murphy.
The General Manager, Eng. “Although this service change will be challenging for our passengers, they tell me they appreciate our commitment to improving their journeys.”
This closure will allow crews to replace rail, ties and ballast to improve reliability and reduce maintenance needs.
Once the work is complete, the MBTA said 28 speed restrictions in the area will be relaxed, which will significantly improve travel times for Ashmont Branch and Mattapan Line riders — cutting about 9 minutes from northbound travel time from Ashmont to Park Street, and 7 minutes from the southbound, And about a minute each way between Ashmont and Mattapan.
Some commuters say they’re skeptical these fixes will make the ride faster or smoother, adding that one thing they do know for sure is that their morning commute has become much more complicated.
“I’m going to have to take the bus and then I’m going to have to take the bus at all the stops through the side roads to get here and it’s going to be really bad,” one Red Line rider said.
The T said it will look to identify additional employment opportunities along the two lines during the closure with the aim of improving the passenger experience through station improvements including painting, power washing and repair of lighting fixtures; Removal of vegetation Eliminates tripping hazards; and accessibility improvements.
For more information about the Red Line Project, visit www.mbta.com/RLTOr email the project team at [email protected] or call MBTA Customer Service at 617-222-3200. Riders can too Sign up for T alerts Or follow the MBTA on the X @MBTA For the latest service information.
