MBTA Closes Red Line Branch For Winter Preparations

BOSTON (AP) — Winter is fast approaching and transit officials are working against the calendar to prevent a repeat of last winter's crippling breakdowns on the T.

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority says Red Line service between the JFK/UMass and Quincy Center stations will be suspended on Saturday and Sunday to allow workers to continue replacing third rail and switch heaters on the line.

Officials say shuttle buses will be provided and will stop at all stations.

The MBTA says it is carrying out an $83.7 million winter resiliency program aimed at shoring up the system's infrastructure before snow and freezing temperatures arrive.

The same branch of the Red Line will be closed for winter work on the weekend of Oct. 31-Nov. 1.

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