MBTA Details Extensive Rockport Line Commuter Rail Work Through June

BEVERLY, MA — MBTA officials outlined the extensive work set for the Rockport Line of the commuter rail beginning April 11 and running through June 12.

Because free shuttle buses will be used in place of trains, monthly Passes should purchase no higher than a Zone 3 pass for May 2022 and no higher than an Interzone 5 pass for June 2022.

The MBTA said the changes will accommodate work to replace the Commercial Street Bridge in Lynn, the installation of automatic traffic control signal upgrades, signal upgrades at North Station, the reopening of the Gloucester Drawbridge and additional track, rail, culvert and improvement projects.

The MBTA said riders should also check schedules ahead of time for anticipated travel and arrival times. Park-and-ride riders are encouraged to consider taking the Haverhill Commuter Rail line, Blue or Orange subway lines or work from home, if possible.

From April 11 through April 22, shuttle buses will operate between all stops from Rockport to Salem stations. Trains will operate from Salem to North Station. A schedule for those services will be available here.

From April 23 through May 8, shuttle buses will operate from Rockport to Gloucester. Trains will run from Gloucester to North Station.

From May 9 through May 22, shuttle buses will operate from Rockport to Orient Heights. A free transfer is available from bus shuttles to the Blue Line at Orient Heights. Chelsea Station customers can use the Silver Line 3.

From May 23 through June 5, trains will operate from Rockport to Beverly. Shuttle buses will run from Beverly to Orient Heights with a free transfer from the bus shuttles to the Blue Line Chelsea Station customers can use the Silver 3.

The Gloucester Drawbridge is set to open on May 23.

Normal train service is expected on weekdays starting June 6.

On June 11 and June 12, trains will operate from Rockport to Salem with a shuttle service from Salem to Orient Heights. A free transfer will be available from the bus shuttles to the Blue Line at Orient Heights.

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)