Building a Better T: Green Line B Branch Station Consolidation Project Work Taking Place for Seven Weeks, Washington Street – Kenmore Work Begins April 17

Shuttle buses will replace B Branch trolleys during weekdays and weekends for three weeks from April 17 to May 9 and for four weeks from May 17 to June 13 between Washington Street and Kenmore.

With the goal of expediting safety and reliability improvements through core infrastructure investments, the MBTA is announcing seven weeks of nearly continuous work taking place this spring as part of the Green Line Transformation Program’s B Branch Station Consolidation Project and the Building a Better T program. Accessible shuttle buses will replace Green Line B branch trolley service between Washington Street and Kenmore Stations beginning at the start of service on Saturday, April 17, through Saturday, May 9, as well as from Monday, May 17, through Sunday, June 13, including both weekdays and weekends. Evening shuttles will also replace B Branch service from Washington Street to Kenmore from Monday, May 10, through Wednesday, May 12, after 8:45 PM.

During this diversion in B Branch service, crews will continue to perform work to consolidate four B Branch stations into two brand new stations on Commonwealth Avenue adjacent to Boston University between Babcock and Amory Streets. St. Paul Street and BU West Stations will be consolidated into one station called Amory Street Station, and Babcock Street and Pleasant Street Stations will be consolidated into one station called Babcock Street Station.

“With safety as our first priority, our shuttle plan includes measures that promote physical distancing, and face coverings are required on shuttle buses and throughout the T system,” said MBTA General Manager Steve Poftak. “We know these shutdowns can be inconvenient, and we appreciate our customers’ understanding as we accomplish this important work on a faster timeline that allows us to deliver improvements more quickly.”

“The B Branch work taking place from April into June provides improvements in the short term with faster, more reliable trips along Comm. Ave. by late 2021, and also prepares the T for the future as the new stations’ larger platforms accommodate the new longer cars being procured for the Green Line,” said Chief of Green Line Transformation Angel Peña. “We have also worked closely with the community and with Boston University to ensure that the construction plans and impacts are shared broadly with riders and B Branch neighbors. GLT will continue to provide weekly project updates and keep residents, businesses, and riders informed as we work to deliver improved service along Commonwealth Avenue months ahead of the original schedule.”

More Information about The Work

With a total project budget of over $29 million, the new stations will include longer, raised platforms in both directions at each new station. These 225-foot-long platforms will be able to accommodate the future “Type 10” Green Line “supercars.” The new stations will also feature 150-foot-long canopies at each new platform, accessible walkways, new communications and safety/security systems, lighting, signage, new benches, and additional station elements. The work also includes demolition of the existing four stations. Construction began in February 2021 with an anticipated completion in late 2021. The project is being accomplished in coordination with MassDOT’s Commonwealth Avenue Phase 2A project and the Commonwealth Avenue Bridge Replacement project.

Green Line B Branch Shuttle Bus Information

Crews will work 24 hours a day, seven days a week (except for May 10-16) to install utilities and construct new platforms for the two new stations. During this time, free and accessible shuttle buses will run between Washington Street and Kenmore as follows:

• Saturday, April 17 – Sunday, May 9: shuttles all day and night.
• Monday, May 10 – Wednesday, May 12: shuttles after 8:45 PM.
• Thursday, May 13 – Sunday, May 16: regular service.
• Monday, May 17 – Sunday, June 13: shuttles all day and night.

On June 14, the MBTA anticipates that project work will revert to weeknights and weekends only.

Riders are also reminded that face coverings are required while onboard shuttle buses. Additionally, in an effort to promote social distancing and protect the health and safety of MBTA riders and bus operators, ridership on shuttle buses is limited to 20 passengers. The MBTA will maintain a robust fleet of shuttle buses on standby to accommodate ridership demands as needed.

More Information