Winter Storm Detours and Major Station Upgrades Slow Wednesday Commute

Morning Commute Overview for Wednesday, February 11, 2026

Boston commuters are facing a challenging Wednesday morning as the region grapples with the aftermath of a recent winter storm combined with several major infrastructure projects entering critical phases. While the primary highways remain open, localized snow accumulation and ongoing construction at key transit hubs are causing significant delays across the city. MassDOT and the MBTA are advising travelers to allow for an additional 20 to 30 minutes of travel time, particularly those relying on bus routes in South Boston and the Back Bay transit hub.

Major Roadway Restrictions and Lane Closures

Significant lane reductions are in effect on Interstate 90 (Mass Pike) in the vicinity of the Bowker Overpass. As part of the ongoing roadway reconstruction project, fixed work zones have been established in the right lanes of both I-90 Eastbound and Westbound. These closures are expected to persist through February 20, causing bottleneck conditions during peak rush hours. In the Back Bay and Kenmore areas, temporary traffic controls are also active at the Boylston Street intersection near the overpass.

In Roslindale, the Canterbury Street Bridge remains closed to all vehicular traffic following a recent safety inspection. Drivers are being diverted through a primary detour route utilizing Hyde Park Avenue, Cummins Highway, and Seymour Street. While pedestrian access is maintained, motorists should expect heavy congestion along the detour path.

MBTA Service Alerts and Snow Detours

The MBTA is reporting several service disruptions this morning. Following the recent winter weather, Bus Route 11 remains on an active detour due to snow-clogged side streets. Inbound and outbound connections are being shifted to major arterials, and riders should expect delays of up to 20 minutes due to traffic and difficult road conditions.

At Back Bay Station, the first major phase of a $37 million renovation project is now in full swing. The Clarendon Street entrance is officially closed to the public, though the elevator remains operational for those requiring accessible entry. Commuters are directed to use the Dartmouth Street entrance for all Orange Line and Commuter Rail services. Elsewhere on the Orange Line, Jackson Square Station continues to undergo platform safety upgrades. Parts of the platform are currently unlevel, and the stairway connecting the lobby to the south end of the platform remains closed, necessitating the use of the north-end stairs.

Bus and Station Maintenance Updates

• Route 70: Two significant stop closures are in effect in Cambridge. Stops at Green Street @ Magazine Street and Franklin Street @ Sidney Street are closed from 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM due to roadway construction.
• South Station: The Pedal & Park facility is currently closed for improvements, with temporary bike racks available on Atlantic Avenue.
• Escalator Outages: Maintenance work has sidelined several escalators, including Escalator 360 at Central Station (Alewife platform to street) and Escalator 382 at South Station.

Commuters are encouraged to use the MBTA mTicket app for real-time tracking and to purchase round-trip fares in advance to avoid queues at station kiosks during these ongoing renovations.