Reminder: Year-Long Green Line Closure between Lechmere and North Stations for GLX and Green Line Transformation Work Begins Sunday

All-day shuttle buses replace Green Line trains between Lechmere and North Station starting May 24 for approximately 1 year.

Today the MBTA reminded customers that Green Line service between Lechmere and North Stations is replaced with shuttle buses every day beginning at the start of service on Sunday, May 24, for approximately 1 year to accomplish work as part of the Green Line Extension project (GLX) and the Green Line Transformation Program (GLT): the closure, relocation, and complete replacement of Lechmere Station and work to demolish, relocate, and reconstruct sections of the Lechmere Viaduct.

During the Green Line diversion, GLX crews will remove the existing Lechmere Station, reconstructing a brand new Lechmere in a new location in Cambridge. The GLX team has also closely collaborated with the GLT team to close and replace the existing Lechmere Viaduct, which carries Green Line trains from Lechmere across the Charles River and into Downtown Boston. When complete, upgrades made to the Lechmere Viaduct will allow more trains to pass over the bridge, serving the new Lechmere Station and 6 new Green Line stations in Somerville and Medford constructed as part of GLX.

Starting May 24, shuttle bus service will replace Green Line trains between Lechmere and North Stations every day, including weekdays and weekends. Commuter bus routes (Routes 69, 80, 87, and 88) will continue to provide service to the existing busway at Lechmere Station during the Green Line service suspension. Customers should note that shuttles will be extended to operate between Lechmere and Haymarket Stations during some weekends in June, which are currently being finalized and scheduled. 

Through close collaboration with MassDOT’s District 6 Highway Division and the City of Boston Transportation Department, Charles River Dam Road will include all-day, bus-only lanes in both directions to support the Green Line shuttle bus diversion, providing continued service for Green Line riders. In addition to MBTA buses, professionally driven coaches, shuttle buses, and emergency vehicles will be allowed to fully access the bus lanes. Dedicated bicycle lanes installed on Charles River Dam Road last year will remain in place and fully operational for the duration of the bus replacement service. Upon completion of the Green Line service suspension, Charles River Dam Road will be restored to its original condition.

In compliance with the Commonwealth’s Reopening Massachusetts Report, riders must wear face coverings while within the MBTA system, including onboard shuttle buses. Additionally, in an effort to promote social distancing efforts and protect the health and safety of MBTA riders and bus operators, ridership on shuttle buses will be limited with shuttles on standby to accommodate ridership demands as needed. 

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