The Orange Line Returns: What To Expect In Somerville

SOMERVILLE, MA — The month-long Orange Line shutdown is coming to an end. Here’s what Somerville residents can expect Monday.

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. Test trains were also set to run during the day Sunday to ensure safety.

"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 approximately 64 new cars and faster service due to the removal of six slow zones, including several north of North Station.

Although the MBTA removed these slow zones, they will remain in effect for roughly one week after Orange Line service resumes to allow the track to settle.

Monday also marks the reopening of the Union Square branch of the Green Line. As of Wednesday, work on that line was 90 percent complete and set to reopen on time.

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.