MTA New York City Transit announced that it has awarded a contract to conduct important structural steel repair work and overcoat painting along the elevated 7 train line from 72^nd to 104^th Streets in Queens.

“We are committed to bringing immediate improvements to the subway system while we work hard on the Subway Action Plan to attack the root causes of delays. Work like this on the structure is critical as well,” said MTA Chairman Joseph Lhota.

“This critical painting and structural repair work will improve the commuting experience for our riders in the near-term, as well as help ensure the long-term safety and reliability of our system,” said NYC Transit President Andy Byford.

“I deeply appreciate Chairman Lhota and the MTA acknowledging the concerns of my constituents in Queens by committing to repair and re-paint the elevated 7-line tracks running through our neighborhoods,” said Congressman Crowley. “The 7-line is a lifeline for commuters in Queens, but its underlying infrastructure is in need of long overdue repairs. I look forward to working with the MTA, Councilman Dromm, and other community leaders to ensure the line is safely repainted and that a functional public transit system does not come at the cost of our community’s well-being.” 

The work will ensure the capture and removal of paint, dirt, grease and grime from the elevated structure, followed by painting of all structural steel surfaces. Rigorous and regular inspections will be conducted on all of the work.

The project will take approximately two years. As part of NYC Transit’s commitment to community engagement, commuters and local communities will be notified about construction specifics and steps to be taken to minimize impacts on riders and vehicular traffic beneath the elevated subway line.

Beyond the painting of the structure itself, other elements of the 101-year old Flushing Line will also undergo scraping, cleaning and painting work, such as select communication rooms, signal towers, and circuit breaker houses.  Repairs will also be made to structural steel beams and concrete column bases on the structure. The work will be done by Ahern Painting Contractors, Inc.

This $45 million contract, which was funded by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), marks the beginning of work along the Flushing line approved as part of the 2015-2019 MTA Capital Program. It will be followed by another contract advertisement for similar work from 42^nd to 72^nd Streets along the Flushing line, to be advertised by the end of 2018.