Blue Line weekend suspension extended due to impending cold

Weather

Blue Line service will be suspended this weekend between Bowdoin and Orient Heights.

MBTA officials say they have extended Blue Line suspensions this weekend due to the frigid weather forecast. 

The MBTA was originally scheduled to pause operations on the Blue Line between Bowdoin and Airport stations on Saturday and Sunday. The suspension will now be between Bowdoin and Orient Heights.

“Extending to Orient Heights allows Operations Control Center personnel to better manage switch infrastructure during extremely cold temperatures,” the agency said.

While impacted stations are inactive, the MBTA said it will conduct tunnel inspections to ensure tunnel systems stay safe.

To supplement the suspension, the MBTA said it is offering free and accessible shuttle buses that will make stops at Orient Heights, Wood Island, Airport, Maverick, and Haymarket.

There will be free fares with the fare gates open at Orient Heights, Suffolk Downs, Beachmont, Revere Beach, and Wonderland, according to the MBTA. 

There will be no direct shuttle bus service to or from Bowdoin, Government Center, State, or Aquarium, the MBTA said.

The East Boston Ferry will also be operating free of charge throughout the weekend.

The MBTA advises riders using shuttle buses to budget 40 extra minutes in travel time, the statement said.