Red Line shutdown looms for Cambridge

• The MBTA is warning riders to budget significant extra time for their commute, at least 70 minutes for a full Alewife-to-Park Street trip.

State of play: With buses running locally between all stations, an express shuttle connecting Harvard Square to South Station should come every 15 minutes.

• The Commuter Rail will be free between Porter Square and North Station.
• Accessible van service will be available on weekdays.

Between the lines: Riders have alternatives beyond shuttles, too. Bus routes 69, 87, 88, 89, 91 and 109 all connect to the Green Line.

• EZRide shuttles link Kendall Square, Lechmere and Central Square.

What's next: The work is part of the MBTA's Track Improvement Program, with crews tackling track renewal, signal upgrades and replacing floating slabs that reduce noise.