Watertown News (https://www.watertownmanews.com/category/more/transportation/)
An MBTA Bus at the Watertown Yard. By Mark Pickering
MBTA service in Watertown has been in decline for years – even as neighboring communities have seen theirs maintained or even improved. Watertown has the worst MBTA service of any community bordering it and all of Boston’s neighborhoods. One of the latest blows is the elimination of the so-called “Express” bus to South Station. The result: It took me and hour and a half to get to my former Boston Herald offices in the Seaport.
The following announcement was provided by the MBTA:
The MBTA announced that fares will again be free this year on bus, subway, ferry, Commuter Rail, and the RIDE on Friday, July 4, 2025, after 8:30 PM. Boston is regularly predicted to host over a million visitors for the July 4 holiday. To accommodate increased ridership, the MBTA is encouraging travelers to plan their commute in advance and reminding riders of its holiday service schedules. The public is encouraged to take public transportation to and from the 2025 Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular and to other holiday events. The MBTA’s July 4 service schedules continue to be available at mbta.com/holidays.
“Public transportation in Massachusetts keeps growing because of the bold investments of the Healey-Driscoll Administration, the partnership of local leaders, and the tireless work of our transit teams,” said Transportation Secretary and CEO Monica Tibbits-Nutt.
Construction crews will continue installation on drainage on Mt. Auburn Street during the week of June 16. See more information in the announcement from the City of Watertown below. Beginning Monday, June 16, 2025, Newport Construction will resume drainage installation on Mount Auburn Street between Kimball Road and Lloyd Road. Traffic and Sidewalk Impacts
During this work, you can expect temporary lane shifts and possibly lane closures, but one travel lane in each direction will remain on Mount Auburn Street.
Charlie BreitroseAn MBTA 71 bus. The Charles River Chamber’s Annual Transportation Forum will feature MBTA General Manager Phil Eng. See details provided by the Chamber. Tbe event will be on Tuesday, June 17, 12:30 p.m., program begins at 1 p.m. at Tripadvisor HQ, 400 1st Ave, Needham. Coffee and snacks will be provided.
During the week of June 9-13 the Mt. Auburn Street roadwork will include installation of drainage on a couple of intersections. See details in the announcement provided by the City of Watertown. Beginning Monday, June 9, 2025, Newport Construction will resume drainage installation on Mount Auburn Street at the intersections with Kimball Road and Elton Avenue. Traffic and Sidewalk Impacts
During this work, you can expect temporary lane shifts and possibly lane closures, but one travel lane in each direction will remain on Mount Auburn Street.
The following announcement was provided the Department of Conservation and Recreation:
DCR Traffic Advisory: North Beacon Street in Watertown
WHAT: On Tuesday, May 27, 2025, from 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. and from Tuesday, June 3, 2025, through Friday, June 6, 2025, from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m. the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) will close lanes along North Beacon Street from Greenough Boulevard to Charles River Road in the City of Watertown from to accommodate paving and line striping work. Traffic patterns will be clearly marked, and a police detail will be on site.
WHERE: North Beacon Street from Greenough Boulevard to Charles River Road in the City of Watertown
WHEN: Tuesday, May 27, 2025, 5 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Tuesday, June 3, 2025 – Friday, June 6, 2025, 7 p.m. – 5 a.m.
Traffic congestion is expected in coming weeks due to construction at the Mass Pike/I-95 interchange over the MBTA Commuter Rail tracks, the Mass Department of Transportation (MassDOT) announced. Lane closures will take place from May 30-June 2 and June 20-23. See more information provided by MassDOT, below. Rapid weekend construction of The Newton Weston Bridge Replacement Project on I-90 EB/WB at the I-95 interchange over the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority – MBTA bridge will impact your travel plans on May 30- June 2, and June 20-23. Those traveling in the Boston, Worcester, and the Framingham area should expect one lane of travel on I-90 EB/WB and MAJOR regional travel impacts on the roadway.
The following announcement was provided by the MBTA:
The MBTA today announced service information on Monday, April 21, the day of the 2025 Boston Marathon. Every year, the MBTA supports the Boston Marathon with increased service to accommodate spectators and runners. To manage potential overcrowding, the MBTA will strategically deploy additional personnel to assist with passenger flow, boarding and disembarking, and maintaining a safe environment for everyone.
MBTA Service Information for the 2025 Boston Marathon:
To find the best Marathon viewing location on the T and service information, riders are encouraged to visit the MBTA’s Boston Marathon Guide at mbta.com/Marathon, which highlights MBTA stations closest to the Marathon route and includes other helpful information on purchasing fares, parking, and more.
Station Closures:
For public safety reasons, Copley Station is closed for the entire day on April 21. Riders are instead encouraged to use Arlington (serving all Green Line branches), Prudential (Green Line E branch), Hynes Convention Center (Green Line B, C, and D branches), or Back Bay on the Orange Line.
From approximately 10 AM to 6 PM, above-ground Green Line stops at South Street (B branch), Kent Street (C branch), and St.
An MBTA bus. (Photo from City of Watertown)
The MBTA announced changes as part of the Better Bus Project, including increased service on one of Watertown’s bus lines. See information sent out by the MBTA, below. Subway and bus spring schedules will go into effect on April 6, 2025. The new schedule will include multiple changes to improve service frequency and schedule reliability in order to address growing traffic congestion. Riders are encouraged to use the MBTA’s Trip Planner to plan their trips and check out the full list of upcoming bus service changes at MBTA.com/ServiceChanges.