Just as we start seeing a cooling off of the sweltering heat we’ve been contending with in recent weeks, we suddenly get hit with the somewhat devastating news that will make many T riders decidedly hot under the collar.

It seems that the entirety of the MBTA’s Orange Line will be shut down for approximately one month beginning on August 19 in order to improve infrastructure and safety systems on the line.

There’s no doubt that these revitalization measures need to be taken. There have been several incidents recently of breakdowns and even fire. So, it’s clear that these renovations are necessary, even if it means disruption of established modes of travel.

It was also recently announced that in order to help facilitate the opening of the Medford Branch and to allow crews to perform the GLX final-phase construction work, temporary shuttle buses will replace all Green Line service between Government Center and Union Square stations in both directions beginning Monday, August 22, through Sunday, September 18.

While this limited suspension of Green Line service pales in comparison to the full shutdown of the entire Orange Line for a month, it does add salt to the wound for those who travel that particular corridor.

People who ordinarily depend on these T routes to get around will have to settle for alternative means of travel for a relatively short period of time. Busses will be at the ready to help ease the pain.

In the meantime, let’s take heart in knowing that we will soon have a safer, more efficient T at our disposal.