The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) today announced maintenance, cleaning, repair and upgrade work will be performed along the Eighth Avenue line in Manhattan on weeknights beginning Monday, Nov. 2, for three weeks with the exception of Monday, Nov. 16. The work is being done during a period of low subway ridership, and during the ongoing overnight subway shutdown between 1 and 5 a.m., minimizing disruption and impacting as few riders as possible.
While crews from MTA New York City Transit perform track maintenance, repair and cleaning in the corridor, MTA Construction & Development will use the track access created during this time to continue installing a modern computer-based signaling system and other upgrades on the Eighth Avenue line, which connects Manhattan’s West Side with Brooklyn and Queens and lines that interface with nearly every other subway line throughout the system.
"We continue to work relentlessly towards a more reliable and modernized system,” said NYC Transit Interim President Sarah Feinberg. “The goal at New York City Transit is to complete as much of this work with as few disruptions as possible to our riders. We thank our customers for their patience during this time.”
“This is another example of MTA Construction & Development taking advantage of existing track access and piggybacking projects to get things done faster and cheaper than ever before,” said Janno Lieber, President of MTA Construction & Development. “But for progress like this to continue well into the future, we need billions of dollars in emergency federal funding in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.”
FASTRACK work typically includes:
- Track – remove debris and repair or replace tie blocks and running rails.
- Third Rail Operations – clean and remove debris from under and around the third rail.
- Signals – perform general maintenance on signals and switches.
- Infrastructure – repair or replace handrails, signs, and tunnel lighting. Clean track drains and repair water damage/leaks.
- Electronic Maintenance – optimize performance of closed-circuit television monitors and cameras. Inspect and test public address system equipment.
- Station Environment – perform high-intensity station cleaning and painting as well as perform elevator and escalator repair work. Clean vents and drains.
Beginning Monday, Nov. 2, from 9:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. and continuing on weeknights for two additional weeks with the exception of Monday, Nov. 16, the following service changes will be in effect:
service will run local between 207 St and Queens and be rerouted as follows:
- Via the Subway between 59 St and 34 St-Herald Square
- Via the Subway between 34 St-Herald Square and Jay St-MetroTech in Brooklyn
service will end early
trains will run local in both directions between 59 St and 125 St
trains will run via the Subway in both directions between 47-50 Streets Rockefeller Center and 2 Av, which will be the last stop
As an alternative in Manhattan, use nearby stations along 7th Avenue, stations on 6th Avenue, or stations along Broadway. For service to Jay Street-MetroTech in Brooklyn, take the or from 6 Av line stations, the before 11 p.m. or the after 11 p.m.
Local elected officials and community boards have been notified about this work.
The MTA will post print and digital signs in stations, along with announcements in stations and on trains. Customer service notifications are also available on the MTA website, the MYmta app and social media. Customers can also sign up for text and email alerts at www.myMTAalerts.com.