Significant MBTA Orange Line Closure Coming Soon

The Orange Line route spans from Oak Grove in Malden to Forest Hills in Boston.

By Benjamin Pierce, Patch Staff

Aug 18, 2026 10:54 AM EDT

During the closure, crews will replace rail fasteners, rail, restraining rail, plates, third rail, and insulators between Tufts Medical Center and Haymarket. (Dakota Antelman/Patch)

BOSTON, MA — Orange Line service between Oak Grove and Back Bay will be suspended for 11 days as the MBTA completes track and signal upgrades along the line.

The closure is scheduled to begin Thursday, Aug. 20, and continue through Sunday, Aug. 30. Free and accessible shuttle buses will replace train service between Oak Grove and North Station, while Orange Line trains will continue operating between Back Bay and Forest Hills.

According to the MBTA, express shuttle buses will also operate between Oak Grove and North Station, with stops at Malden Center and Wellington. Riders can also use fare-free Commuter Rail service between Oak Grove and North Station during the shutdown.

For riders traveling through downtown and toward Back Bay, the MBTA is encouraging passengers to use Green Line service between North Station and Copley, which is less than a quarter-mile, or about a four-minute walk, from Back Bay. Green Line service will be increased to accommodate additional riders, and fare gates will be open at both Copley and Back Bay.

The MBTA is also advising customers using shuttle buses to allow significant additional travel time. Riders traveling from Oak Grove to Downtown Crossing should expect the commute to last approximately 70 minutes longer. Accessible vans will also be available at downtown Orange Line stations between North Station and Back Bay, and Copley.

During the closure, crews will replace rail fasteners, rail, restraining rail, plates, third rail, and insulators between Tufts Medical Center and Haymarket. Additional work between Haymarket and the Assembly area will include replacing ties, rail and plates and performing track tamping, while crews will also relocate signal racks at Wellington, North Station and Community College.

The work is part of an effort that will eventually allow Orange Line trains to travel up to 55 mph between Community College and Assembly after additional enabling work is completed. According to the MBTA, the continuous closure allows crews to work around the clock rather than spreading the projects across a series of overnight or weekend shutdowns. MBTA staff and Transit Ambassadors will be stationed throughout affected areas to help customers navigate replacement service.

The Orange Line shutdown follows a nine-day closure on portions of all four Green Line branches earlier this month, when crews completed signal upgrades in the central subway.