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Orange Line Shuttles and Mass Pike Construction Impact Sunday Commutes

AuthorEditorial Team
Published
February 15, 2026/07:30 AM
Section
City
Orange Line Shuttles and Mass Pike Construction Impact Sunday Commutes
Source: Wikimedia Commons / Author: Eric Kilby

Orange Line Service Suspended Between Jackson Square and Forest Hills

Commuters relying on the Orange Line today, Sunday, February 15, 2026, should prepare for significant diversions. As part of an ongoing signal upgrade project, service is suspended between Jackson Square and Forest Hills. This scheduled maintenance began yesterday and will continue through tomorrow, Monday, February 16. Free, accessible shuttle buses are currently operating as an alternative, making stops at all affected stations. MBTA officials recommend that riders budget at least 20 minutes of additional travel time. For a faster alternative, travelers can utilize the Commuter Rail (Franklin/Foxboro, Needham, or Providence/Stoughton Lines) fare-free between Forest Hills, Ruggles, Back Bay, and South Station.

Mass Pike and Local Road Construction Updates

On the roads, motorists should expect delays on the Massachusetts Turnpike (I-90) Eastbound. A construction project has resulted in a right-lane closure between Fenway Park and the Prudential Tunnel. This bottleneck is expected to slow traffic throughout the day, particularly for those heading into the downtown area. Additionally, in Roslindale, the Canterbury Street Bridge remains closed to all vehicular traffic following a recent safety inspection. A primary detour is in place utilizing Hyde Park Avenue, Cummins Highway, and Seymour Street. Drivers in the area are urged to reduce speed and follow posted signage to navigate the detour safely.

Bus Route Detours and Transit Accessibility Alerts

Recent weather conditions continue to impact several local bus routes. MBTA Route 11 and Route 121 are currently operating on snow routes until further notice. Specifically, Route 11 is detoured between City Point and Summer Street, while Route 121 is utilizing a snow route through Wood Island and Maverick. Commuters should check their specific stop status as some connections have moved to nearby surface roads.

For those using major transit hubs, be aware of multiple accessibility issues. At South Station, several escalators (including 400, 389, and 382) are unavailable due to ongoing maintenance. Similar outages are reported at Porter and Andrew stations. If you require elevator or escalator access for your journey, please allow extra time to navigate around these closures or contact station personnel for assistance.

Editor's Tips for a Smooth Sunday

  • Plan for Shuttles: If you are heading to a game or event via the Orange Line, leave home at least 30 minutes earlier than usual to account for the bus transfer.
  • Avoid I-90 EB: If possible, use Storrow Drive or alternative surface routes to bypass the lane closure near the Prudential Tunnel.
  • Check the App: With snow routes in effect for certain buses, real-time tracking may be less accurate. Use the official MBTA mobile tools for the latest updates on vehicle locations.