Lane Closures on I-93 and Mass Pike Impact Friday Commute; Major Red Line Shutdown Starts Tomorrow

Commuter Overview for Friday, February 20

Boston commuters should expect significant delays on major arteries this morning due to several active lane closures in the O'Neill Tunnel and along the Massachusetts Turnpike. While the MBTA is operating on a near-normal weekday schedule today, several bus stop relocations and ongoing station maintenance projects are in effect. Riders are also urged to use today to finalize alternative travel plans ahead of a major Red Line service suspension beginning tomorrow morning.

Highway and Major Artery Updates

• I-93 Northbound: Two lanes are currently closed within the O'Neill Tunnel due to road construction. Traffic is backing up through the South End; motorists should allow an additional 15–20 minutes of travel time through the downtown corridor.
• I-90 (Mass Pike) Westbound: Heavy congestion is reported through Newton and Weston. Two lanes are closed after Exit 127 (Newton Corner) and Exit 125 for infrastructure repairs. Additionally, the off-ramp to I-95 (Exit 39B) in Weston is restricted.
• Roslindale Bridge Detour: The Canterbury Street Bridge remains closed to all vehicular traffic following a recent inspection. Drivers should continue to follow the primary detour route utilizing Hyde Park Avenue, Cummins Highway, and Seymour Street.

MBTA Subway and Bus Alerts

• Red Line: Normal service is in effect today, but commuters should prepare for a significant suspension starting Saturday, Feb 21. Service will be replaced by shuttle buses between Broadway and Ashmont through the weekend for signal upgrades.
• Orange Line: Service is currently proceeding, though minor residual delays were reported earlier near Wellington. Escalator maintenance continues at Tufts Medical Center, with the Forest Hills platform unit expected to remain out of service through February 27.
• Bus Route 70: The inbound stop at Green St @ Magazine St is closed from 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM today due to roadway construction. Riders are advised to use the alternative stop at Western Ave @ Green St.
• Sidney Street Construction: The stop at Franklin St @ Sidney St has been moved to a temporary location at Sidney St @ Green St through next Friday.

Event Traffic Advisory

Increased pedestrian and vehicle volume is expected near City Hall Plaza and TD Garden starting tonight as crews begin setup for Saturday’s snowboarding finals and multiple scheduled performances. Motorists should anticipate restricted parking and potential short-term closures on Congress and Cambridge Streets heading into the weekend.