Significant MBTA Green Line Closure Coming Soon

The shutdown is slated to begin later this week.

By Benjamin Pierce, Patch Staff

Aug 5, 2026 11:01 AM EDT

The MBTA is advising customers to allow at least 25 additional minutes for trips involving shuttle buses because of increased travel times and traffic. (Jenna Fisher/Patch)

BOSTON, MA — Green Line service on portions of all four branches will be suspended for nine days as the MBTA completes major signal upgrades in the subway's central tunnel.

The closure is scheduled to begin Friday, Aug. 8, and continue through Sunday, Aug. 16. During that time, Green Line service will be suspended between Government Center and Babcock Street on the B Branch, Government Center and Cleveland Circle on the C Branch, North Station and Kenmore on the D Branch, and Heath Street and North Station on the E Branch. Free and accessible shuttle buses will replace train service along much of the affected route, while trains will continue operating outside the closure areas.

According to the MBTA, free shuttle buses will operate between Babcock Street and Back Bay on the B Branch, Cleveland Circle and Back Bay on the C Branch, and Kenmore and Back Bay on the D Branch. Riders on the E Branch are encouraged to use the fare-free Route 39 bus between Heath Street and Back Bay, where they can connect to Orange Line service. Route 57 also will operate fare-free throughout the shutdown. The closure is part of the MBTA's ongoing Track Improvement Program, with crews performing signal upgrades intended to improve the long-term reliability of Green Line service through the central subway.

The MBTA is advising customers to allow at least 25 additional minutes for trips involving shuttle buses because of increased travel times and traffic. Riders are encouraged to check the MBTA's Trip Planner or Transit app before traveling, as service adjustments and bus travel times may vary throughout the closure. Agency staff will be stationed throughout the system to assist customers, and additional signage will direct passengers to replacement service.

The August shutdown comes as other Green Line improvement projects continue across the system. Symphony Station remains closed for a major accessibility renovation, outbound C Branch trains will continue bypassing Summit Avenue through Aug. 7, and trains in both directions will bypass Brandon Hall beginning Aug. 17 as accessibility work continues.