MBTA begins Orange Line improvements

Crews descended into the mucky bowels of Downtown Crossing Station on Saturday to begin a series of Orange Line improvements that will see portions of the line shut down over six weekends.

The MBTA is suspending service from Sullivan Square to Tufts Medical Center on weekends in October and November to make improvements at the Downtown Crossing, Haymarket and State stations, including new signage, cleaning and painting, and repairing stairs and tiles.

The T said the weekend shutdowns will allow it to complete the work “almost a year earlier than previously planned.”

“While we acknowledge major diversions in regular service can be inconvenient, these shutdowns are needed to execute an investment plan of this size and expedite completion of this work,” said MBTA General Manager Steve Poftak.

Straphangers looking for a ride were met with signs announcing the closures Saturday.

Shuttle buses will be provided between Sullivan Square and Haymarket Stations during the closure. But riders looking to traverse between State, Downtown Crossing and Chinatown are asked to use the Green Line.

The six weekends in which Orange Line service is suspended between Sullivan Square and Tufts Medical Center are:

• 8:45 p.m. on Oct. 4 through Oct. 6.
• 8:45 p.m. on Oct. 11 through Oct. 13.
• 8:45 p.m. on Oct. 18 through Oct. 20.
• 8:45 p.m. on Oct. 25 through Oct. 27.
• 8:45 p.m. on Nov. 1 through Nov. 3.
• 8:45 p.m. on Nov. 8 through Nov. 10.

from Boston Herald https://ift.tt/2AMWvpw