MBTA to Host Open House on June 28 about Green Line B Branch Track Upgrades, Shuttle Buses to Replace Entire B Branch on July 17-28

During this 12-day full-access closure, crews will fully replace over 2,000 feet of B Branch track as well as duct banks and underground conduits. Crews will also repaint pedestrian crossings, bike lanes, and platform edges along the B Branch.

The MBTA will hold an in-person Open House on Wednesday, June 28, 2023, at 6 PM at Boston University’s Sleeper Auditorium located at 871 Commonwealth Avenue in Boston to discuss a 12-day closure of the B Branch from Kenmore to Boston College Stations from Monday, July 17, through Friday, July 28. This closure will allow crews to complete critical track upgrades and additional work on the B Branch. The MBTA welcomes the public to join the conversation regarding the work by voicing their thoughts, comments, and concerns.

During this 12-day suspension in B Branch train service, accessible shuttle buses will replace Green Line trains between Kenmore and Boston College. During this service change, crews will perform a full-depth replacement of the track at Packard’s Corner Station as well as from Harvard Avenue to Allston Street Stations. More information is available within this video.

Upgrades to come on the B Branch include a full-depth replacement of track at Packard’s Corner, duct bank work, repainted bike lanes, and more.

“I made a commitment to the public when I accepted this responsibility to restore safety and reliability,” said MBTA General Manager and CEO Phillip Eng. “The recent derailment is a stark reminder that we have work to do, and accelerating this work when schools are out is the best way to address a long-standing issue. This 12-day full access closure allows us to implement track renewal safely and most efficiently along the Green Line’s B Branch, and most importantly, improve service.”

During this 12-day full-access closure, crews will fully replace over 2,000 feet of track at Packard’s Corner and between Harvard Avenue and Allston Street, bringing this area into a state of good repair. To maximize efforts during this closure, crews will also replace duct banks, underground conduits that provide power to trains, and repaint pedestrian crossings, bike lanes, and platform edges along the B Branch.

Full depth track replacement work will take place at Packard’s Corner and from Harvard Avenue to Allston Street.

“We are committed to providing our riders with the best possible quality of service,” said MBTA Chief of Capital Transformation Angel Peña. “A full-access closure allows crews to accomplish critical upgrades on an expedited schedule, delivering improved service that our riders deserve. We understand how frustrating service diversions can be. However, as a team, we will work as quickly and safely as possible to deliver these much-needed upgrades.”

Green Line Transformation follows a holistic approach to transforming the Green Line. The program is aligned by multiple Levels of Transformation: Improving Safety & Bringing Infrastructure into a State of Good Repair, Enhancing Accessibility, Replacing Legacy Fleets, Increasing Passenger Capacity, and Modernizing Rider Experience.