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REMINDER: Orange Line Service Suspension Between Wellington and Back Bay from May 28-June 6

Posted on May 23, 2024

This notice serves as a reminder of the upcoming Orange Line closure previously announced on April 22 and May 20.


BOSTON – Following up on the previous announcement on April 22 and May 20, the MBTA is today reminding riders that Orange Line service will be suspended daily between Wellington and Back Bay stations from Tuesday, May 28, through Thursday, June 6. 

Free and accessible shuttle buses will make stops at all stations between Wellington and North Station. For alternate service through the downtown area near Back Bay, riders should instead utilize parallel Green Line service between North Station and Copley (which is less than a quarter mile from Back Bay or about a five-minute walk). There will be free fares at Wellington, North Station, and Copley (inbound only) with the fare gates open. The MBTA will increase Green Line service during this time to accommodate high ridership.

Riders are encouraged to consider the Haverhill Commuter Rail Line for fare-free service to and from Oak Grove, Malden Center, and North Station. Regular fares should be purchased beyond Oak Grove. 

Full information on alternative travel options during this Orange Line service suspension, including bus shuttle stop locations, is available at mbta.com/OrangeLine.

Orange Line diversion diagram with shuttle and Green Line diversions

As previously announced, this service change is in place as part of the MBTA’s Track Improvement Program. The Track Improvement Program will replace tracks and ties to alleviate speed restrictions along the line while crews maximize the outage by performing signal work and station amenity upgrades, including new lighting, painting, tiling, power washing, and more. This service change is also in place to support MassDOT’s Maffa Way/Mystic Avenue Bridge Superstructure Replacements project, which will replace the two deteriorated bridge superstructures and improve bicycle, pedestrian, and transit facilities. 

The important work accomplished during this Orange Line service suspension means riders will experience a more reliable trip with fewer unplanned service disruptions related to older tracks, older infrastructure, signal issues, or power problems. Riders will also be provided with a safer ride as a result of this state of good repair work. 

The MBTA understands how these service changes affect riders’ daily travels during this period, but we are committed to improving your travels long term with more reliable, timely, and safe service. We thank riders for their patience as we deliver this important work and for continuing to ride our system.

More information is also available through in-station signage and public announcements. Transit Ambassadors and MBTA staff will be available on-site to offer information and assistance during these service changes. Riders are encouraged to subscribe to T-Alerts or to follow the MBTA on X (the site formerly known as Twitter) @MBTA for up-to-date service information.

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MBTA Press Office