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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 closures are scheduled for: 

Saturday, March 30 - Sunday, March 31 and Saturday, April 6 - Sunday, April 7
Broadway to Ashmont and Broadway to North Quincy

Wednesday, May 1, 2024 – Wednesday, May 8, 2024
Park Street to JFK/UMass

Monday, July 8, 2024 – Tuesday, July 23, 2024
Alewife to Kendall/MIT

These dates are subject to change. The City will update this page with resources and information on upcoming closures in Cambridge.

 

 

 

MBTA Links and Resources

Contact

Email publicengagement@mbta.com or call 617-222-3200.

Upcoming MBTA Events

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

Thursday, April 11In-person meeting at Boston Public Library (700 Boylston Street), 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Tuesday, May 14In-person meeting at Mattapan Public Library (1350 Blue Hill Avenue), 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Tuesday, August 13In-person meeting at English High School (144 McBride Street), 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Tuesday, September 17Virtual meeting, 6:30 p.m. to 8 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.

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 MBTA is making the Commuter Rail fare-free between Porter Square and North Station during the February 5-14 and February 24-25 closures. Riders should pay fares when traveling beyond Porter Square or North Station. 

Biking and walking

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

Shuttle stops will impact separated bike lanes near Porter Square. In order to allow more room for shuttles, flex posts near Porter Square shuttle stops will be removed, and shuttles will queue on Mass Ave in front of Porter Square station in both directions. There will be signage indicating that people biking may use the full lane. At the moment, Mass Ave near Porter Square station is the only place in the City where we plan to remove flex posts.

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.

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

What other Red Line closures are scheduled?

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

Wednesday, May 1, 2024 – Wednesday, May 8, 2024
Park Street to JFK/UMass:

Monday, July 8, 2024 – Tuesday, July 23, 2024
Alewife to Kendall/MIT

Tuesday, September 3, 2024 – Wednesday, September 18, 2024
JFK/UMass to Braintree

Tuesday, October 15, 2024 – Sunday, October 20, 2024
Kendall/MIT to Broadway

Sunday, December 1, 2024 – Friday, December 6, 2024
Broadway to North Quincy

Saturday, December 14, 2024 – Saturday, December 19, 2024
Harvard to Park Street

*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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