'Severe' Congestion For Boston Area During Orange Line Closure: Officials

BOSTON, MA — Even if you don't usually use the Orange Line, the subway's monthlong closure starting Friday will likely lengthen your commute.

Gov. Charlie Baker and the state's top transit officials gathered Monday for a news conference to prepare commuters in Boston and far beyond for the closure. Shuttle buses will replace Orange Line trains for the month, reducing capacity along roadways from Jamaica Plain to Malden, and likely pushing commuters to use other modes of transportation.

"We're asking everybody, all travelers, to adjust their routes," Baker said. "We urge everyone to be careful and cautious."

The MBTA last week released The Rider's Guide to Planning Ahead to show riders how to get around during the shutdown. The guide shows shuttle buses replacing all Orange Line trains, except in downtown Boston where Red Line, Silver Line and Green Line trains are available.

MBTA General Manager Steve Poftak advised commuters to use the commuter rail lines to access North and South stations. Commuter rail trips will be free in zones 1, 1A and 2 for CharlieCard holders duration of the subway closure.

An estimated 5,000 Boston Public Schools students will be impacted by the subway closure, and those students will be encouraged to use the commuter rail, officials said. The MBTA will be offering expanded morning commuter rail service along the southern portion of the line before South Station, Poftak said.

One alternative officials advised against: driving.

MassDOT Highway Administrator Jonathan Gulliver highlighted I-93, Route 1 and the Fellsway as roads that may be especially hampered by the shut-down. Roads will likely be further congested by the shuttle buses.

Gulliver showed off a map of the Boston area with red shading over the areas that will see the most residual congestion. The shaded area spread south to Dorchester, west to Watertown and as far north as Winchester

"I assure you that is not a good option,"Gulliver said about driving as an Orange Line alternative. "The traffic congestion is expected to be severe."

Boston Chief of Streets Jascha Franklin-Hodge said work is already underway carving out shuttle bus lanes around Boston. He also said commuters should try biking as an alternative. Bike rentals through Bluebikes will be free for the 30-day closure starting this weekend.

The Orange Line closure will also coincide with a Green Line shutdown spanning the new Union Square station in Somerville to Government Center. That will last from Aug. 22 to Sept. 19, with shuttle buses replacing trains.

The Orange Line shut down starts at 9 p.m. Friday. Trains should be back in service by 5 a.m. on Sept. 19. Poftak and Baker said during Monday's news conference they are confident work on the Orange Line — including replacing train tracks and upgrading electrical infrastructure — will be complete by that date.