T expects to reopen the Green Line B branch 'on time'

Green Line B Branch riders can prepare to say “bye-bye” to shuttle bus service by the end of the week.

The MBTA’s General Manager, Phil Eng said he expects repair work that began July 17 to finish “on time” by Friday.

Shuttle buses have replaced trolley service from Kenmore Square to Boston College while crews work to replace 2,800 feet of track near Packard’s Corner.

Eng acknowledged the shutdown has been inconvenient for riders. But, he said, it was necessary to bring that portion of the line into a state of good repair to improve rider and workforce safety.

“New ties, new track, new base course underneath, new ballast. it's all going to be renewed as part of this work,” Eng said.

Eng said he was proud of the work crews have done to ensure that the service disruption only lasted 12 days.

“That's what we promised to our riders and to the neighboring communities: Let's get in, let's get it done, and let's get out and, we're well on our way to completing this now.”

Eng said trolley service is expected to resume on Saturday.