How To Prepare For The MBTA Shutdown In Somerville

SOMERVILLE, MA — The MBTA is suspending service on the entire Orange Line and part of the Green Line for one month to make necessary repairs and improvements. Here’s how Somerville residents can prepare for the closures.

The Orange Line will close starting Friday, Aug. 19 and the Green Line will close from Government Center to Union Square station starting Monday, Aug. 22.

During the shutdowns, riders in Somerville can travel via shuttle buses, enhanced Commuter Rail service, accessible shuttle vans (available by request), Bluebikes, and by connecting to other subway and bus routes.

• Shuttle buses: Free accessible shuttle buses will replace Green Line service between Government Center and Union Square stations. Shuttles will also replace Orange Line service from Oak Grove to Government Center and from Forest Hills to Copley stations. The MBTA will post signage and deploy Transit Ambassadors at all stops to direct riders.
• Maps:
  • Green Line - Union Square to Government Center
  • Orange Line - Oak Grove to Government Center
  • Orange Line - Forest Hills to Copley
• Commuter Rail: The MBTA is offering increased Commuter Rail service during the shutdown. Riders can show their CharlieCard or CharlieTicket to conductors to ride the Commuter Rail in Zones 1A, 1, and 2 at no charge.
• Accessible vans: Approximately 20 wheelchair-accessible vans will be available to supplement shuttle bus service. Any rider preferring to be transported via accessible van can request to do so by speaking to MBTA personnel at each station.
• Bluebikes: Free 30-day Bluebikes passes will be available during the closures for unlimited trips up to 45 minutes. Sign up starting Friday, August 19, through the Bluebikes app, or go to bluebikes.com/join and select “Monthly Membership.”

To help shuttle buses travel as efficiently as possible, the City of Somerville is installing priority bus lanes along the shuttle routes around Assembly and Sullivan Square, retiming traffic signals at key intersections, and implementing other traffic management interventions.

Temporary travel and parking restrictions will be required in Somerville along the shuttle routes to reduce shuttle delays and congestion during this period. City staff are also working closely with MassDOT officials to mitigate congestion on MassDOT roadways in Somerville.

Here are some ways to stay informed during the Orange Line and Green Line shutdowns:

• For all information related to the shutdown, visit MBTA.com/BBT2022
• Sign up to receive MBTA text or email alerts: alerts.MBTA.com
• Find your best route using the MBTA Trip Planner: MBTA.com/trip-planner
• Email questions to OLT@MBTA.com
• Follow the MBTA on Twitter @MBTA and facebook.com/TheMBTA
• For information on traffic conditions throughout the region, visit mass511.com