Orange Line trains will not run between Jackson Square and North Station until Friday as the MBTA continues its effort to remove slow zones on the subway system.
Track work began Monday morning and shuttle buses will replace trains through Thursday, according to the MBTA.
Orange Line Reminder: Through March 21
— MBTA (@MBTA) March 18, 2024
No Train service between Jackson Square & North Station for track work. Use Buses between Jackson Square & Back Bay/Copley. Use Green Line between Copley & North Station.
Commuter Rail is free to ride from Forest Hills to South Station. pic.twitter.com/CEKGDsAhLA
Shuttle buses will run between Jackson Square and the Back Bay/Copley station.
“This four-day surge will allow employees access to address five speed restrictions in the corridor” between the Orange Line stations, the MBTA said. “The MBTA will take advantage of the surge by performing additional work at each of the impacted stations, including lighting repairs, painting, and deep cleaning.”
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The T offered the following alternatives for commuters:
— Take the Green Line between North Station and Copley.
— Take the commuter rail between Forest Hills, Ruggles, Back Bay, and South Station.
The Orange Line work is part of the MBTA’s program to eliminate slow zones by the end of the year, although the number of slow zones increased in February.
MBTA subway trains reach at a top speed of 40 miles per hour, but track defects force trains to slow down until the problem can be repaired. Most speed restrictions force trains to travel at 10 miles per hour or less.
The Orange Line section being closed currently has 18 speed restrictions.
John R. Ellement can be reached at john.ellement@globe.com. Follow him @JREbosglobe.