Massachusetts Transportation: Buses to Substitute Blue Line Operations for Nine Days, Orange Line for Three Weekends in August
MBTA Announces Major Maintenance Work Affecting Blue and Orange Lines in August
In August 2025, the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) is set to carry out significant maintenance work that will affect the Blue Line, Orange Line, and some commuter rail lines. This work will result in service disruptions, shuttle replacements, and increased commute times.
Blue Line Shutdown for Nine Days
From August 9 through August 17, the Blue Line will be suspended between Airport Station and Wonderland for nine days. This is to facilitate heavy track renewal, infrastructure upgrades, and other critical revitalization work aimed at maintaining the line's state of good repair and long-term reliability. During this period, the MBTA will provide fare-free shuttle buses that stop at all affected stations along this segment. Riders are advised to allow for an additional 20–30 minutes of travel time, such as when traveling from Wonderland to Government Center.
The MBTA also encourages biking as an alternative mode of transportation during the Blue Line shutdown. They are offering five free Bluebikes unlocks per user with the code "MBTABLUE825," while supplies last.
Orange Line Weekend Suspensions
On the Orange Line, intermittent weekend suspensions will occur on multiple dates in August (August 2-3, 9-10, 23-24), suspending service between Wellington and Back Bay for signal upgrade work. To mitigate the impact, the MBTA will run free shuttle buses making all stops along the suspended segment, and express shuttles will operate directly between Wellington and North Station. The Green Line service will be increased between North Station and Copley to accommodate displaced Orange Line passengers, providing a transfer option near the Back Bay station (about a five-minute walk). Fare gates at Back Bay, Copley, Wellington, and North Station will be open to allow fare-free entry during these closures.
Additional Service Changes
Additional service changes in August will impact the Lowell and Fitchburg commuter rail lines as part of ongoing infrastructure renewal efforts. The Lowell Line will be replaced by shuttle service on August 15-16 and August 22-23 to enable work on the "High Line Bridge Replacement Project." Riders are advised to budget extra time for their commute during the closure.
The Fitchburg Line will be closed the weekends of August 16 and 23 due to the "North Station Terminal Area Signal System Improvement Project." Existing Red and Green Line service will serve as replacement for the Fitchburg Line during the closure.
MBTA's Commitment to Riders
The MBTA acknowledges that the planned disruptions will affect riders' daily travels but is committed to improving the long-term riding experience with more reliable, timely, and safe service. Transit Ambassadors and MBTA staff will be available on-site to assist during these service changes, and the MBTA recommends subscribing to T-Alerts or their social media channels for real-time updates.
Riders are also encouraged to consider fare-free commuter rail options between Oak Grove and North Station and between Forest Hills and South Station during these weekend shutdowns. The North Station Terminal Area Signal System Improvement Project aims to improve operational efficiency and scheduling reliability for riders.
The Lowell Line shuttle service will not be available at Winchester Center; riders are encouraged to use Wedgemere Station as an alternative. The MBTA is performing maintenance to rebuild and improve the Blue Line. The signal upgrade work will affect the section between Wellington and Back Bay, and the closure will result in shuttle service replacing the Blue Line.
The Lowell Line bridge replacement project aims to provide safer, more resilient, more reliable service, bring the bridge into a state of good repair, reduce future maintenance costs, and reduce unplanned service impacts and delays. The MBTA thanks riders for their patience as they deliver these important improvements and for continuing to ride their system.
- In response to the major maintenance work, the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) is offering five free Bluebikes unlocks per user during the Blue Line shutdown.
- The Orange Line will experience intermittent weekend suspensions in August, including August 2-3, 9-10, 23-24, with shuttle buses provided along the suspended segment and increased Green Line service between North Station and Copley.
- The Lowell and Fitchburg commuter rail lines will also be affected, with shuttle service replacing the Lowell Line on certain dates and the Fitchburg Line closure on specific weekends, with existing Red and Green Line service as a replacement during these times.
