BOSTON — Much of the Red Line will be closed starting today as workers look to update one of the MBTA’s oldest sections of track.
Service to the Red Line Ashmont branch between JFK/UMass and Ashmont stations and the Mattapan Line between Ashmont and Mattapan stations will be suspended for 16 days from Saturday, October 14 through Sunday, October 29.
Service on both lines will resume on October 30.
MBTA riders will be able to ride free shuttle buses covering the portion of track undergoing repairs.
The MBTA says wheelchair accessible shuttles will run every 5-6 minutes during weekday peak hours and every 10-15 minutes during weekday and weekend off-peak hours.
Workers will replace rails, ties and ballasts to improve track reliability. According to the MBTA, the much-needed maintenance will require crews to work only nights and weekends for about six months.
“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 during night and weekend work,” said the MBTA General Manager and CEO. Philip the engineer. “We realize that service changes can be frustrating, and I want to thank the public for their patience as we do this critical, targeted work between the JFK/UMass and Ashmont stations and on the Mattapan Line.”
Riders will also be able to find more information about the service change through signage inside the station, public announcements inside the station, and at mbta.com/alerts.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates when more information is available.
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