MTA New York City Transit (NYCT) continues to make $774 million worth of critical improvements on the  Line and is on target to increase the line’s capacity and reliability with a new high-tech signal system.

The work includes replacement of both underground and elevated tracks, and critical replacement of the existing 50-90 year old fixed-block signal system on the  line with state-of-the-art signal technology. New signals will allow for the use of Communications-Based Train Control (CBTC), which increases operational flexibility and allows additional trains to run consistently on the line as the population grows along the corridor.

Click here to view a video about CBTC.

“A safe, reliable Flushing Line is critical to the growth of Queens and these projects are critical to the future of the line,” New York City Transit Acting President Darryl Irick said. “Replacing old tracks means a smoother, faster ride for customers, and installing a modern signal system means less crowded and more reliable commutes.”  

Nearly every element of the  Line is seeing improvements. In April 2016, reconstruction and fortification of the Steinway Tunnel was completed, bringing it back to a state of good repair after it had suffered saltwater damage from Superstorm Sandy in 2012. The completion of this work was a major milestone in efforts to overhaul the Flushing Line and will be critical to reducing planned and emergency suspensions of service between Manhattan and Queens.  

NYCT has also been replacing track panels along various segments of the  Line.

Weekend closures will be needed to test previously installed CBTC equipment.  The payoff will result in a significantly improved commute in the coming years and a more reliable subway system for everyone.

The 2017 schedule below represents scheduled weekend service shutdowns of the  Line between Queensboro Plaza and 34 St-Hudson Yards in both directions.

Service changes will be in effect from 11:30 PM Friday to 5 AM the following Monday.  This schedule is subject to change due to inclement weather, which prevents crews from working safely on exposed, elevated segments of the line.

As in previous years during shutdowns, NYCT will be operating free shuttle bus service in Queens making all stops at Queensboro Plaza, Queens Plaza, Court Sq, Hunters Point Av, and Vernon Blvd-Jackson Av stations.  Specific information regarding these shuttle buses will be made public in advance of each service suspension.  NYCT will also operate weekend  service along with  service between Queens and Manhattan.

Customers may also use New York Waterways’ East River Ferry to Midtown and Lower Manhattan from Hunters Point South as an alternative to NYCT.  Information on this service is available at their website: http:/www.nywaterway.com/Routes/Schedules/aspx. 

For more information on  Line work, visit the www.mta.info.