Orange Line Track and Signal Upgrades (2022)
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As part of the Orange Line Transformation Program, we’re accelerating important reliability upgrades during a 30-day shutdown of the entire line starting at 9 PM on August 19. Regular Orange Line service will resume on Monday, September 19.
During this acceleration, crews will complete multiple projects more than five years faster than originally planned.
Building a Better T
As part of our $9.6 billion, 5-year capital investment plan, we're renovating stations, modernizing fare collection systems, upgrading services for our buses, subways, and ferries, and improving the accessibility of the entire system.
Why We're Doing This Work
Upgrades to Orange Line tracks and signals will improve safety, increase reliability, and provide smoother trips for riders.
Orange Line Service Alternatives
Updated August 9, 2022
Crews will begin work at 9 PM on Friday, August 19. Regular service will resume on Monday, September 19. A number of service alternatives will be available.
Commuter Rail
The Commuter Rail may be the best option for many Orange Line riders. During this shutdown, riders can simply show their CharlieCard or CharlieTicket to conductors to ride the Commuter Rail in Zones 1A, 1 and 2 at no charge. All Commuter Rail stops along the Orange Line are accessible.
Providence Line trains will make additional stops at Forest Hills:
- On weekdays, 24 Providence Line trains will stop at Forest Hills
- On weekends, 10 Providence Line trains will stop at Forest Hills
View the Forest Hills – Ruggles – Back Bay – South Station schedule
Haverhill Line trains will make additional stops at Oak Grove. Check back here for more information about this schedule coming soon.
For service on the south side of the Orange Line and to Downtown, riders can take the Needham Line, which stops at:
- Forest Hills
- Ruggles
- Back Bay
- South Station (with a connection to the Red Line)
For service on the north side of the Orange Line, riders can take the Haverhill Line, which stops at:
Shuttle Buses
Orange Line train service will be replaced with free, accessible shuttle buses:
- Between Oak Grove and Government Center stations
- Between Back Bay and Forest Hills stations
Check back here for additional shuttle bus service information.
Green Line
Riders are encouraged to use Green Line service in the downtown Boston area at Government Center, Park Street, Boylston, Arlington, and Copley stations.
Please note that from August 22 through September 18, shuttles will replace Green Line trains between Government Center and Union Square.
Neighborhood Impacts
The loudest work will occur when crews cut rails with a saw and tamp the track to the proper elevation.
Contact Us
For questions or comments related to this project, please email the Orange Line Transformation team at OLT@mbta.com.
To report construction issues or noise complaints, please call the OLT project hotline at 617-222-3393.
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Related Projects
Building a Better T
As part of our $9.6 billion, 5-year capital investment plan, we're renovating stations, modernizing fare collection systems, upgrading services for our buses, subways, and ferries, and improving the accessibility of the entire system.