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A Red Line train headed toward Alewife.

2024 MBTA Red Line Closures

Check the MBTA service alerts webpage for the most up-to-date information on MBTA closures.

The MBTA’s Track Improvement Program aims to eliminate all speed restrictions on the Red Line and to bring the tracks to a state of good repair by the end of 2024. Work on the Red Line has required multiple closures this year but has improved travel times and made train service more reliable.

 

 

Upcoming Closures

During closures, expect longer-than-usual travel times in all modes: driving, taking shuttles, riding buses, and traveling on open sections of the Red Line. 

Sunday, November 17 – Sunday, November 24

The MBTA plans to close the Red Line between Harvard (Cambridge) – Broadway (Boston), Sunday, November 17 at 8:30 p.m. – Saturday, November 23. On November 24, the service suspension will be extended between Harvard and JFK/UMASS.

Riders will take FREE Shuttle Buses instead of Red Line trains while the MBTA repairs tracks and makes improvements.

There will be TWO shuttle routes during this closure.


• Route A (Local) will run all day, every day. This Shuttle will follow a special route from Harvard to Broadway, making stops at:

  • Harvard, Central, Kendall/MIT, Charles/MGH, Haymarket, State, close to Downtown Crossing, South Station, and Broadway.
    • This Shuttle will not stop at Park St. To travel to and from Park St, use Haymarket or State.
    • This Shuttle will stop close to Downtown Crossing (5-minute walk).
      • To travel toward Alewife from Downtown Crossing, board shuttles on Federal St @ Franklin St.
      • To travel toward Ashmont/Braintree from Downtown Crossing, board shuttles on Otis St @ Summer St.
  • Route B (Direct) will run on weekdays from 6 AM to 8 PM every 15 minutes:
  • The Direct Shuttle Bus will run between Harvard – South Station. This shuttle will stop at Harvard and South Station ONLY.
    • Direct shuttle buses at Harvard will be located at Massachusetts Avenue @ Holyoke Gate.
    • Direct shuttle buses at South Station will be located at the South Station Bus Terminal (Berths 1 and 2).

Shuttle Routes

Shuttle buses will run between Red Line stops on City streets.


Accessibility

  • Shuttle buses are all required to meet DOT accessibility standards. Shuttle buses may include accessible coach buses with stairs and lifts, or stair-free buses with ramps.
  • MBTA and contracted employees are required to honor all reasonable requests for assistance, including providing sighted guide to/from shuttles and stations, finding a seat on a vehicle, requesting accessible vans, etc.
  • The RIDE will continue to be available to anyone with a disability that prevents them from taking the fixed route. To schedule The RIDE, call 844-427-7433 (MA Relay 711).
  • Wheelchair accessible vans will be available upon request on weekdays. These will likely take longer to arrive than shuttles. To request an accessible van, speak to an MBTA staff member or use a station call box.


Please Note
Plan ahead for your trips! Visit mbta.com/RedLine for the most up-to-date information.  

*These dates are subject to change.

Visit the MBTA webpage

 

 

Upcoming MBTA Events

The MBTA will host a series of events in 2024 to talk about the Track Improvement Program.

Tuesday, December 3: Track Improvement Pop-Up Event at Medford/Tufts from 4 - 6 PM

The City of Cambridge may be delayed in posting MBTA events. For the latest information, visit www.mbta.com/events

 

 

Traveling During Closures

For the most up-to-date information on alternate routes, options, and news, visit the MBTA’s page.

Use the MBTA trip planner to plan out alternative routes.

Tips and FAQs

Plan for longer-than-usual trips during this time, whether you are driving, taking shuttles, riding the bus, or traveling on other parts of the Red Line.

Plan for:

  • Increased road traffic citywide
  • Reduced street parking in some areas along the shuttle bus route.
  • Longer than normal wait times between trains on sections of the Red Line where trains are running.

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Tips and FAQs

 

 

Shop Local

Stick close to home and try out a new business in your neighborhood! Walk, bike, or take the bus if you can.

Discover your new favorite spot! Download the Retail and Restaurants Map for your neighborhood: 

 

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