MBTA riders can expect shuttle buses to replace train service on the Red Line for nine weekends beginning in September and running through December as winter resiliency work takes place, MBTA officials said last week.

The MBTA Fiscal Management and Control Board approved an $18.5 million construction contract to Barletta Heavy Division, Inc. for infrastructure upgrades on the Red Line branches. This marks phase two of the winter resiliency project, on which Barletta worked last year, amounting to a total $30.3 million.

About 9.9 miles of the Braintree and Ashmont lines will have all third rail and heating systems replaced. Track and tie renewals are planned between Savin Hill and Fields Corner Stations. Signal trough and conduit installation will take place between North Quincy and Braintree Stations. Quincy Center, Quincy Adams and Braintree stations will see track structure replacement.

"We look forward to building on the success of phase one during which miles and miles of new third rail was installed along outer portions of the Red Line," said Acting MBTA General Manager Brian Shortsleeve in a statement. "Working in tandem with Barletta, MBTA forces will continue to make the upgrades necessary to keep the subway operating no matter what Mother Nature throws at us."

Buses will replace train service on Braintree branch on Sept. 10-12, Sept. 24-26, Oct. 1-3, Oct. 8-10, Oct. 15-17, and Dec. 3-5; and on the Ashmont branch on Oct. 22-24, Dec. 10-12, and Dec. 17-19.