Red Line Ashmont Branch and Mattapan Line improvement work to take place July 16

The news wire has been filled with reports about transit systems substituting bus service for rail service so that repair, replacement, and upgrades can be completed on rail transit lines. The MBTA has announced another project where buses will replace trains while work is being done.

The MBTA announced that critical infrastructure improvement work as well as Mattapan Line Transformation work will take place on both the Red Line Ashmont branch and the Mattapan Line on Saturday, July 16, 2022. In order to accommodate this important work, shuttle buses will replace train service in both directions between JFK/UMass and Mattapan stations beginning at the start of service on July 16 until approximately 6 PM, at which time train and trolley service will resume.

“We know any diversion in regular train service can be a frustration, and we thank our Ashmont and Mattapan Line riders for their patience as we accomplish this important work,” said MBTA General Manager Steve Poftak. “When this work is complete, it will ultimately translate into a better, more reliable commute for our Ashmont and Mattapan riders.”

This diversion in service will allow work crews to replace the existing signal house at Ashmont station among other infrastructure improvements. Additionally, the Mattapan Line Transformation team is taking advantage of this scheduled outage to carry out a full 360° LiDAR scan and Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) of the corridor. To be used in the development of the full design of the Mattapan Program, the information gathered may also reduce the need for future outages and minimize riders impacts.

Alternate service will be provided during the diversion in service on July 16. Accessible shuttle buses will replace Red Line Ashmont branch and the Mattapan Line service from JFK/UMass to Mattapan stations in both directions from the start of service until approximately 6 PM. Regular train and trolley service will resume at approximately 6 PM on July 16. 

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