‘Culver Line’ Signal Modernization Project Will Improve Service Reliability and Performance Throughout Entire F Line for Decades to Come

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) said that the next phase of the Culver Line Signal Modernization project – which will improve service reliability and performance throughout the  line for decades after its completion – will begin on Friday, March 20. The $253 million project will replace 70-year-old signals between Church Av and Coney Island and provide improved and more reliable service and more efficient operations.  An alternate service plan is in place and the work is being done on weekends – with major holidays being avoided – to minimize disruptions for the majority of the line’s customers.  Details have been noted in station signage and earlier notifications to elected officials and community boards; the MTA has also launched an informative website and attended community board meetings in Brooklyn.  A customized subway map for users of the Culver line – particularly helpful for visitors traveling to Coney Island – is on the website and will be available in stations.

“The bottom line is that a modern signaling system will allow the MTA to deliver better and more reliable service for F line train riders,” said Janno Lieber, MTA Chief Development Officer.

The project will install a new “Communications Based Train Control” (CBTC) system on this section of the  Line and also add three new signal facilities at Ditmas Av, Bay Parkway and Avenue X. This will allow personnel to respond faster and with alternative service options when there are disruptions, providing customers a better means to complete their trips.

CBTC is more flexible than the current block signaling system because it continuously updates train positions, distances and travel speeds, allowing for faster and more efficient operations. NYC Transit has successfully installed and implemented CBTC on the Canarsie  and Flushing  lines. In January 2020, the on-time performance of the Flushing  line was more than 91 percent, and the on-time performance of the Canarsie  line was more than 92 percent.

Beginning later this month, there will be no weekend subway service at  train stations south of Church Av. On most weekends from approximately 9:45 p.m. Friday to 5 a.m. Monday from March 20 to Dec. 21, 2020, the  will run between 179 St and Church Av, where  service will end. The  will not operate between Church Av and Coney Island-Stillwell Av.

To keep customers moving during this critical, long-term upgrade project, a free shuttle bus service, the Culver Link, will meet up with nearby  subway stations between Church Av and Coney Island Stillwell Av. There will also be a free express shuttle bus traveling directly between Church Av and Coney Island Stillwell Av.  Customers going to Coney Island from Manhattan and other parts of Brooklyn can use alternate subway options, including the  and  trains. Customers will also be able to take the  train to Coney Island when it resumes normal service in April following completion of a Superstorm Sandy recovery project.

Work will not happen on select weekends that encompass major holidays to ensure customers can travel to family and friends, so  service will be normal on:

• Easter/Passover: 4/10-4/13
• July 4^th Weekend: 7/3-7/6
• Select October Weekends: 10/9-10/11, 10/16-10/18 and 10/23-10/25
• Thanksgiving Weekend: 11/27-11/30
• Weekend After Christmas: 12/25-12/28

Work on the  line will continue in 2021. Right now, the construction schedule and corresponding service change schedule are released through 2020 so customers can plan ahead this year.