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A Red Line train headed toward Alewife.

2024 MBTA Red Line Closures

Check the MBTA service alerts webpage for the most up-to-date information on MBTA closures.

The MBTA’s Track Improvement Program aims to eliminate all speed restrictions on the Red Line and to bring the tracks to a state of good repair by the end of 2024. Work on the Red Line will result in multiple closures throughout the year.

The next closure is scheduled for:


Monday, August 19, 2024 – Monday, August 26, 2024

  • There will be no Red Line trains between Kendall/MIT (Cambridge) - JFK/UMass (Boston).
  • Riders should take FREE, accessible buses instead of Red Line trains.
  • There will be free fares and open gates at Kendall/MIT and JFK/UMass stations.

These dates are subject to change. The City will update this page with resources and information on upcoming closures in Cambridge, as new information from the MBTA becomes available.

 

Upcoming Closures

During closures, expect longer-than-usual travel times in all modes: driving, taking shuttles, riding buses, and traveling on open sections of the Red Line. 

August 19 to August 26

The MBTA plans to close the Red Line on Monday, August 19 - Monday, August 26.

  • There will be no Red Line trains between Kendall/MIT (Cambridge) - JFK/UMass (Boston).
  • Riders should take FREE, accessible buses instead of Red Line trains.
  • There will be free fares and open gates at Kendall/MIT and JFK/UMass stations.


Shuttle Buses
The shuttle will follow a special route between Kendall/MIT and JFK/UMass. It will stop at Kendall/MIT, Charles/MGH, Haymarket, State, close to Downtown Crossing (locations below), South Station, Broadway, Andrew, and JFK/UMass.

  • This shuttle will not stop at Park Street.
  • This shuttle will stop close to Downtown Crossing:
  • Southbound (to JFK/UMass) stop: Otis St @ Summer St.
  • Northbound (to Kendall/MIT) stop: Federal St @ Franklin St.
  • To travel between Downtown Crossing and Park Street, riders should use the Winter Street Concourse.


Other Transit Options

  • The Commuter Rail will be FREE between Braintree and South Station, and between Porter and North Station.
  • Bluebikes: Use code MBTAREDAUGUST through the Bluebikes app for five free unlocks during the shutdown. E-bike per minute fees still apply.
  • Shuttle buses will also stop at State and Haymarket for easier connections to the Orange, Blue, and Green lines.


Please Note
There will also be service changes on the Green, Orange, Mattapan and Haverhill lines. Find more information here.

Plan ahead for your trips! Visit mbta.com/RedLine for the most up-to-date information.  

*These dates are subject to change.

Visit the MBTA webpage

 

 

Upcoming MBTA Events

The MBTA will host a series of events in 2024 to talk about the Track Improvement Program.

Tuesday, October 1Virtual meeting, 6 p.m.

The City of Cambridge may be delayed in posting MBTA events. For the latest information, visit www.mbta.com/events

 

 

Traveling During Closures

For the most up-to-date information on alternate routes, options, and news, visit the MBTA’s page.

Use the MBTA trip planner to plan out alternative routes.

Tips and FAQs

Plan for Delays

Plan for longer-than-usual trips during this time, whether you are driving, taking shuttles, riding the bus, or traveling on other parts of the Red Line.

Plan for:

  • Increased road traffic citywide
  • Reduced street parking in some areas along the shuttle bus route.
  • Longer than normal wait times between trains on sections of the Red Line where trains are running.

Fare-Free Commuter Rail at Porter

The Commuter Rail will be FREE between Braintree and South Station, and between Porter and North Station.

Biking and walking

Biking or walking to your destination will help keep roads clear of vehicles.

Cyclists and pedestrians should be extra cautious around shuttle buses and on shuttle routes. Shuttle buses will be a mix of MBTA buses and larger buses. Chartered buses will move differently than MBTA buses: they are often taller, take longer to turn, and swing wider to make turns. Because some shuttle buses are not regular city buses, shuttle drivers have a harder time seeing cyclists and people on sidewalks. The City of Cambridge has requested that shuttle drivers receive information and training about sharing the street with people on bikes.

Bluebikes is offering five free rides.Use code MBTAREDAUGUST through the Bluebikes app for five free unlocks during the shutdown. E-bike per minute fees still apply.  A single unlock is typically $2.95 each and includes up to 30 minutes of riding on a traditional pedal bike. These unlocks are available to non-members of Bluebikes, regardless of residency, while supplies last. Any unused unlocks will expire at the end of the closure.


Click here for shuttle stop locations and routes
.

New to riding a bike? Find tips for safe travel here or read the Cambridge Street Code here

Buses

Driving

We expect increased traffic on Cambridge roads from the addition of shuttle buses and extra drivers. If you can, avoid adding extra traffic to the roads by taking transit, walking, biking, or working from home. 

If you drive:

  • Plan extra time for your trip
  • Anticipate more shuttles on the roads 
  • Pay attention to new parking restrictions, which are in place to make sure shuttles have room to turn and stop

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Tips and FAQs

What other Red Line closures are scheduled?

In addition to the July shutdowns, the MBTA has tentatively scheduled closures of the following sections of the Red Line:

August 19 - August 25
Kendall/MIT to JFK/UMass (Boston)

*This list is not comprehensive, and only lists multi-weekday closures. Cambridge will update this list if we become aware of changes to this schedule, but the latest information on closures is available is on the MBTA’s alerts page.*

What can businesses and other organizations do?

During the Red Line closures, employers should strongly consider:

  • Allowing employees more flexibility to work from home, when possible
  • Communicating with employees about planning for longer commutes, and encouraging alternate modes of transportation such as taking transit, walking, or biking
  • Understanding that an employee’s commute time may be unpredictable; allowing schedule flexibility, where possible
  • Enabling special remote-work or scheduling accommodations for employees with disabilities or those who may need to utilize alternate modes of transportation for accessibility reasons.
  • Remind employees about local other local or employer-affiliated shuttle options

How do I contact the MBTA?

In-Person: 

Transit Ambassadors and other MBTA personnel will be available to assist riders throughout the Red Line. Transit Ambassadors wear bright red shirts or jackets with T logos. 

By Phone:

Contact MBTA’s Customer Support Center by calling 617-222-3200 (MA Relay 711). Customer support representatives speak English and Spanish and have access to interpreter services in more than 160 languages.

By Email: 

  • Email publicengagement@mbta.com
  • For questions or comments about accessibility, email the Department of System-Wide Accessibility at swa@mbta.com

 

 

Shop Local

Stick close to home and try out a new business in your neighborhood! Walk, bike, or take the bus if you can.

Discover your new favorite spot! Download the Retail and Restaurants Map for your neighborhood: 

 

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