MBTA Plans To Lift Orange Line Slow Zones Soon

MEDFORD, MA — The MBTA said Wednesday that it plans to lift the remaining Orange Line slow zones in the coming days, reported NBC 10 Boston.

During the 30-day Orange Line shutdown, the MBTA worked to get rid of six slow zones on the track. These slow zones were at Jackson Square and Sony Brook, State and Downtown Crossing, Tufts Medical Center and Back Bay, Community College and North Station, and two between Assembly and Wellington along Dana Bridge.

Although the shutdown ended on Sept. 19, the MBTA said the slow zones would be kept in place for about one week after service resumed to allow the track to settle.

All of the slow zones south of North Station and north of Assembly Station have been eliminated, the MBTA said. However, the temporary speed restrictions are still in place between Assembly and North stations.

The MBTA initiated the 30-day full-closure of the Orange Line on August 19 to complete years worth of improvements while addressing safety actions identified by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA).

During the closure, the MBTA not only eliminated the six slow zones, but also added 72 new Orange Line cars.

Although a significant amount of work has been completed, the MBTA said work is not finished. More new Orange Line cars will be added in the future and the MBTA will continue to maintain the infrastructure and install new components as needed.

No additional Orange Line closures are planned for this year.