Boston Green Line Upgrades Track Safety Through Dec 22

MBTA closes Green Line E and D branches through Dec 22 for track and signal repairs

Green Line Shuts Sections for Track Repairs

Boston transit riders face service disruptions on two Green Line branches through December 22 as crews complete track and signal maintenance, MBTA officials said. The E branch between Lechmere and Union Square closed December 14, while the D branch between Government Center and Medford/Tufts shut December 16. The agency's providing shuttle buses during the closures, though specific details about the number of riders affected weren't available by publication time.

The maintenance work targets track and signal systems that require attention to maintain long-term reliability and safety, according to the transit agency. Officials said the repairs are essential infrastructure work but didn't provide detailed specifications about the nature of the track and signal improvements being performed. The Green Line serves approximately 143,000 weekday riders system-wide, though the MBTA hasn't specified how many passengers are affected by these partial closures. Transit agencies typically conduct multi-day service shutdowns to complete maintenance work faster than overnight or weekend work windows would allow.

The closures affect sections of the Green Line Extension, which opened in 2022 after decades of planning and construction. The E branch shutdown runs from Lechmere to Union Square, while the D branch closure spans from Government Center to Medford/Tufts. Shuttle buses are operating along affected routes to transport riders between stations, though the MBTA hasn't disclosed how many buses were deployed for replacement service. The agency described the work as essential maintenance but hasn't publicly disclosed the cost of the repair project.

Service is scheduled to resume December 22 on both affected branches, officials said. The timing places the closures during the holiday season, when some commuters may have altered schedules. The MBTA typically announces major service changes weeks in advance, though the specific date when these closures were first announced wasn't available. Officials said riders should allow extra travel time and plan alternative routes during the maintenance period.

Commuters who regularly use the affected Green Line sections should expect longer travel times through December 22. The closures impact recently opened portions of the Green Line Extension, which expanded service to Medford/Tufts and Union Square neighborhoods. Riders can check real-time service updates and shuttle bus information through the Moovit app, which provides current transit information for Boston-area travelers.