Braintree Red Line Branch Closed for Most of September

The MBTA announced Thursday that it plans to make major improvements to the Braintree Branch of the Red Line during a 24-day service suspension.

The Braintree branch will be closed from September 6th to September 29th.

The MBTA plans to repair 18 miles of track, removing more than 20 speed restrictions in an effort to “improve round-trip travel times on the Braintree Branch by up to 24 minutes,” the agency said in a statement.

“The work that will take place on the Braintree Branch in September is unprecedented but long-needed,” MBTA General Manager and CEO Phillip Eng said in the statement. “I look forward to returning faster, safer and more reliable service to our customers on the Braintree Branch on September 30.”

During the service suspension, there will be no Red Line trains at North Quincy, Wollaston, Quincy Center, Quincy Adams and Braintree stations.

The T said it will formally announce plans for alternative shuttles soon. The alternative service for passengers will be a combination of shuttles at closed stations, commuter rail options and increased service on the Ashmont Branch, the agency said.

Track work completed over the 24 days will allow MBTA trains to operate at the maximum authorized speed of 40 miles per hour.

“As a result of this significant work, commuters will benefit from a more reliable journey with fewer unplanned service interruptions related to older tracks, older infrastructure, signaling issues or power supply issues,” the statement said. “Commuters will also benefit from a safer journey with these repairs in good condition.”