An optical access network includes a first ring and a second ring communicating optical signals in opposite directions. The network also includes an access node coupled to both rings that adds traffic in a first wavelength of a first optical signal communicated on the first ring. Furthermore, the network includes a hub node coupled to each ring and coupled to an optical core network. The hub node receives the first optical signal, forwards a first copy of the signal to a first wavelength blocking unit that terminates the traffic in the first wavelength, and forwards a second copy of the signal to a first network interconnection element that forwards the traffic in the first wavelength to the core network. Furthermore, upon detection of an interruption of the traffic in the first wavelength on the first ring, the access node adds the traffic in a second wavelength of a second optical signal communicated on the second ring. In addition, the hub node receives the second optical signal, forwards a first copy of the signal to a second wavelength blocking unit that terminates the traffic in the second wavelength, and forwards a second copy of the signal to a second network interconnection element that forwards the traffic in the second wavelength to the core network.