Boston Green Line Upgrades to Boost Reliability
MBTA shuts Green Line D Branch Aug. 31-Sept. 14 for track and signal upgrades
MBTA Closes Green Line D Branch for 15 Days
Boston's Green Line D Branch will shut down between Riverside and Kenmore stations for 15 days starting Aug. 31, transit officials said. The MBTA announced the closure to perform track and signal work that'll affect nine stations along the route. Shuttle buses will replace train service during the suspension, which runs through Sept. 14.
Maintenance Work Targets Aging Infrastructure
The closure's part of the MBTA's ongoing effort to modernize track and signal systems across the Green Line, according to the transit agency. Officials said the work's necessary to maintain system reliability and safety. The MBTA didn't disclose the specific cost of the track and signal work. Transit agencies typically use extended closures to complete maintenance projects more efficiently than overnight or weekend-only work windows, allowing crews to work continuously without service interruptions.
Nine Stations Affected by Service Suspension
The D Branch serves thousands of daily commuters between Riverside and downtown Boston, though officials haven't released specific ridership numbers for the affected segment. The nine stations between Riverside and Kenmore include Woodland, Waban, Eliot, Newton Highlands, Newton Centre, Chestnut Hill, Reservoir, and Beaconsfield. Officials said shuttle buses will run the full route during the closure but didn't specify how many buses will be deployed. The MBTA advised riders to allow extra travel time and consider alternative routes during the 15-day suspension.
Work Scheduled During Late Summer Period
The service suspension begins Sunday, Aug. 31, 2025, and continues through Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025, officials confirmed. The MBTA originally announced the closure Aug. 22 and issued a reminder Aug. 27. Regular D Branch service will resume Sept. 14, though officials haven't said what time service will restart that day. The timing follows the MBTA's pattern of scheduling major maintenance work during periods when ridership's typically lower.
Riders Should Plan Alternative Routes
Commuters who regularly use the D Branch should expect longer travel times and crowded shuttle buses during the closure. Officials said detailed shuttle schedules will be available before the suspension begins. Riders can check Moovit for real-time updates on shuttle bus locations and alternative Green Line routes during the closure period. The MBTA's performed similar maintenance closures on the D Branch in recent years, including a September 2024 shutdown for infrastructure work.
