Four-month subway shutdown to Rockaways starts this week to repair lingering Sandy impacts
Major Winter Subway Improvement Project Underway
A major winter subway improvement project is set to begin this week, with the MTA shuttering service on the Rockaway Line for four months to address lingering damage left behind by Superstorm Sandy and strengthen infrastructure in anticipation of future storms.
Service Interruption Details
The winter service interruption kicks off Friday, January 17, and lasts through May. The MTA says A train service won’t be operating during that time between Howard Beach-JFK Airport and Far Rockaway-Mott Avenue or Rockaway Park-Beach 116 Street.
Rockaway Park Shuttle Impacts
Riders won’t have shuttle service to or from Broad Channel, and the shuttle trains won’t run at all during the first weekend (January 17-20). Read up on full service impacts here.
MTA’s Plan to Make the A Train More Reliable and Resilient
“It’s time to make the A train more reliable and resilient for Rockaway riders, and this plan is the fastest and most efficient way to do it,” MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber said in a statement.
“I’m confident the NYC Transit team will deliver on fast and frequent alternative service while work is underway — just as they did for train customers over the summer,” Lieber said, referencing the G train summer shutdown.
Rehabilitation Work on the Rockaway Line
Rehabilitation work on the Rockaway Line is essential, the MTA says, to repair longstanding damage following Sandy. Despite the emergency repairs in the months immediately following the disaster, the agency says there are still essential repairs needed to protect transit operations during future storms.
“The viaducts and bridge that carry trains across Broad Channel need major upgrades to help protect the line from future storms and ensure reliable service for over 9,000 daily riders,” the MTA said in a press release.
Alternative Transportation Options
So how can those impacted riders get around during the four-month shutdown?
The MTA says free shuttle buses will help commuters get around. The Q97 will run service between Howard Beach and Far Rockaway, while the Q109 will run from Howard Beach to Beach 67 Street.
The Long Island Rail Road will also be available to Rockaway residents at a discount. The fare will be reduced to $2.75 each way for people buying tickets at the LIRR Far Rockaway Station.
Conclusion
The MTA’s four-month shutdown of the Rockaway Line is a necessary step to repair lingering damage from Superstorm Sandy and strengthen infrastructure in anticipation of future storms. While the service interruption may cause inconvenience for some riders, the MTA is committed to providing alternative transportation options to help commuters get around.
FAQs
* When does the service interruption start and end?
+ The service interruption starts on Friday, January 17, and lasts through May.
* Which train services will be impacted?
+ A train service between Howard Beach-JFK Airport and Far Rockaway-Mott Avenue or Rockaway Park-Beach 116 Street will be shut down.
* What alternative transportation options will be available?
+ Free shuttle buses (Q97 and Q109) and the Long Island Rail Road (with a discounted fare) will be available.
* Will the Rockaway Park Shuttle be impacted?
+ Yes, riders won’t have shuttle service to or from Broad Channel, and the shuttle trains won’t run at all during the first weekend (January 17-20).
