Major Components of Trackwork to be Completed a Week Ahead of Schedule; Remainder of Allotted Time Through Nov. 2 Will Allow MTA to Perform Additional Upgrade Projects to Prevent Future Disruptions to Customers
MTA Replacing and Installing Over a Mile of Track at End of Subway Line in Queens, During Time of Historically Low Ridership to Improve Service Reliability
Work to Be Completed in Two Phases; Second Phase Begins in November
See Photos of Press Conference and Project Work
View Video of Press Conference and Project Work
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) today announced that the first phase of work to replace and install more than 5,500 feet of track and over 7,800 feet of third rail at or near two stations at the end of the subway line in Queens will be completed ahead of schedule and on budget, allowing the Authority to perform additional upgrade projects within the originally allotted construction period that will to prevent future track outages and disruptions to customers.
The existing track had reached the end of its useful life requiring complete replacement, which will lead to improved reliability and better service throughout the line in Queens and Manhattan. Since 2016, there have been 46 incidents between Jamaica-Van Wyck and Jamaica Center on the subway line because of track conditions, resulting in 713 delayed trains.
The additional upgrade work being performed thanks to the accelerated construction work includes further track and third rail improvements.
“MTA Construction & Development continues to complete more projects ahead of schedule and on budget than ever before,” said Janno Lieber, President of MTA Construction & Development. “This is yet another example highlighting the MTA’s need for billions in federal funding so we can continue knocking out projects that improve the system and head off major disruptions for customers.”
“I am pleased to hear that the MTA is sticking to its commitment to our community’s transit riders,” said State Senator Leroy Comrie. “I thank MTA NYCT and workers for their diligence in delivering this project on budget and ahead of schedule.”
“I am pleased to know for the residents of Southeast Queens that track work is trending ahead of schedule,” said Assemblymember Alicia Hyndman. “As much needed work continues on our tracks it is imperative we continue to work together and prepare to be back on track in November.”
The critical project, which could not be delayed, is being done at a time of historically low ridership to minimize impact to customers.
Phase 2 of the project, which will allow restoration of some
subway train service in the two-station project corridor, is scheduled to begin in early November and last until mid-December. When finished, crews will have replaced over a mile of track with continuously welded rail, the same rail that was used in the Second Avenue Subway project which allows for a smoother ride with fewer delays due to maintenance issues. In addition, 3,300 feet of concrete and will be replaced throughout the project area.
The MTA is able to accelerate the project’s timeline by taking advantage of low airport travel and low general subway ridership due to the COVID-19 pandemic, to minimize the disruption of the work and impact as few riders as possible.
The MTA will continue to post both print and digital signage about the project in stations, along with announcements in stations and on trains, and on the MTA website, the MYmta app and social media. Customers can also sign up for text and email alerts at www.myMTAalerts.com.
Maps, fact sheets, trip planning information and other resources are available on the project’s webpage at new.mta.info/JamaicaTrackReconstruction.