Orange Line On Track For Monday Return, MBTA Says

FOREST HILLS, MA — One of the biggest transit disruptions in recent Boston-area history is almost over.

The MBTA said Friday that work along the Orange Line was 96 percent finished, and the line was on track to begin carrying passengers again on Monday morning.

"As we close out this week, workers have finalized projects, begun cleaning the tracks and cleaned stations and platforms across the line to get ready for our riders' return," the T said in a video published on social media. "Over the weekend, final preparations and tests will be carried out."

Apart from cleaner stations, Orange Line riders can expect to see new cars in service — approximately 64 in total — and faster service. Part of the work that took place over the last month involved removing slow zones north of North Station.

Orange Line trains stopped running in the evening on Aug. 18. During the closure, commuter rail and shuttle buses replaced trains, and Boston offered free Bluebikes to anyone who wanted to switch to a pedal-powered commute.

MBTA General Manager Steve Poftak has said the MBTA will not shut down any other subway lines this fall, although there will be work along a Green Line branch through October where shuttle buses will replace trains.

Related: MBTA Sees 'Opportunity' For Change After Damning FTA Inquiry