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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 will result in multiple closures throughout the year.
The next closures are scheduled for:
Friday, June 28, 2024 – Sunday, June 30, 2024
Alewife to Harvard Square
Saturday, July 13, 2024 – Sunday, July 28, 2024
Alewife to Kendall/MIT (All Day)
Alewife to Park Street in Boston (weekdays after 8:45 p.m. and all day on the weekends)
These dates are subject to change. The City will update this page with resources and information on upcoming closures in Cambridge, as new information from the MBTA becomes available.
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.
The MBTA will close sections of the Red Line in Cambridge between Saturday, June 29 and Sunday, June 30, 2024*. Expect delays while driving and taking public transit during this time.
FREE shuttle buses will replace regular Red Line trains:
*Friday, June 28 after 8:45 p.m. to Sunday, June 30 (all day) the Kendall/MIT Outbound (Boston to Cambridge) Station will be closed.
The MBTA will close sections of the Red Line in Cambridge during parts of July. Expect delays while driving and taking public transit during this time.
FREE shuttle buses will replace regular Red Line trains:
Friday, July 5 at 8:45 p.m. to Sunday, July 7 (all day) the Kendall/MIT Outbound (Boston to Cambridge) Station will be closed.
The MBTA 77 Bus Route will be free. The Commuter Rail will be free between Porter Square and North Station.
Visit the MBTA webpageThe MBTA will close sections of the Red Line in Cambridge between Saturday, July 13 to Sunday, July 28, 2024*. Expect delays while driving and taking public transit during this time.
FREE shuttle buses will replace regular Red Line trains:
Use the regular MBTA buses or other train options. Three free and accessible shuttle bus options will be available for Red Line riders during this time period:
1. Shuttle buses will make all stops to all stations.
2. Express shuttle buses will make stops between Alewife, Porter, and Kendall/MIT.
3. A shuttle bus loop will operate from Harvard to Central to Kendall/MIT and back to Harvard.
The Commuter Rail will be FREE between Porter Square (Cambridge) and North Station (Boston). The MBTA 77 Bus Route will be FREE.
Bluebikes is offering five free rides from July 13 to July 28 for both traditional pedal bikes and the electric bikes. Riders can access the five free unlocks using a special code TBD for the Red Line closure through the Bluebikes app, ensuring seamless integration into their commuting routines. A single unlock is typically $2.95 each and includes up to 30 minutes of riding on a traditional pedal bike. These unlocks are available to non-members of Bluebikes, regardless of residency, while supplies last. The unlocks are available for use only during the July 13-28 closure; any unused unlocks will expire at the end of the closure.
*These dates are subject to change.
Email publicengagement@mbta.com or call 617-222-3200.
For the most up-to-date information on alternate routes, options, and news, visit the MBTA’s page.
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:
The MBTA is making the Commuter Rail fare-free between Porter Square and North Station during the June and July closures. Riders should pay fares when traveling beyond Porter Square or North Station.
Biking or walking to your destination will help keep roads clear of vehicles.
Shuttle stops will impact separated bike lanes near Porter Square. In order to allow more room for shuttles, flex posts near Porter Square shuttle stops will be removed, and shuttles will queue on Mass Ave in front of Porter Square station in both directions. There will be signage indicating that people biking may use the full lane. At the moment, Mass Ave near Porter Square station is the only place in the City where we plan to remove flex posts.
Cyclists and pedestrians should be extra cautious around shuttle buses and on shuttle routes. Shuttle buses will be a mix of MBTA buses and larger buses. Chartered buses will move differently than MBTA buses: they are often taller, take longer to turn, and swing wider to make turns. Because some shuttle buses are not regular city buses, shuttle drivers have a harder time seeing cyclists and people on sidewalks. The City of Cambridge has requested that shuttle drivers receive information and training about sharing the street with people on bikes.
Bluebikes is offering five free rides for non-members from July 13 to July 28 for both traditional pedal bikes and the electric bikes. Riders can access the five free unlocks using a special code TBD for the Red Line closure through the Bluebikes app, ensuring seamless integration into their commuting routines. A single unlock is typically $2.95 each and includes up to 30 minutes of riding on a traditional pedal bike. These unlocks are available to non-members of Bluebikes, regardless of residency, while supplies last. The unlocks are available for use only during the July 13-28 closure; any unused unlocks will expire at the end of the closure.
Click here for shuttle stop locations and routes.
New to riding a bike? Find tips for safe travel here or read the Cambridge Street Code here.
Consider taking MBTA buses during the Red Line closure.
Use the MBTA Trip Planner to figure out your route.
We expect increased traffic on Cambridge roads from the addition of shuttle buses and extra drivers. If you can, avoid adding extra traffic to the roads by taking transit, walking, biking, or working from home.
If you drive:
In addition to the June and July shutdowns, the MBTA has tentatively scheduled closures of the following sections of the Red Line:
Tuesday, September 3, 2024 – Wednesday, September 18, 2024
JFK/UMass to Braintree
Tuesday, October 15, 2024 – Sunday, October 20, 2024
Kendall/MIT to Broadway
Sunday, December 1, 2024 – Friday, December 6, 2024
Broadway to North Quincy
Saturday, December 14, 2024 – Saturday, December 19, 2024
Harvard to Park Street
*This list is not comprehensive, and only lists multi-weekday closures. Cambridge will update this list if we become aware of changes to this schedule, but the latest information on closures is available is on the MBTA’s alerts page.*
During the Red Line closures, employers should strongly consider:
In-Person:
Transit Ambassadors and other MBTA personnel will be available to assist riders throughout the Red Line. Transit Ambassadors wear bright red shirts or jackets with T logos.
By Phone:
Contact MBTA’s Customer Support Center by calling 617-222-3200 (MA Relay 711). Customer support representatives speak English and Spanish and have access to interpreter services in more than 160 languages.
By Email:
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