Track Renewal Project on 6 Av Line and Signal Modernization Work Along 8 Av Line Paired to Minimize Service Disruptions, Future Outages in Area
Service Changes to Accommodate Project Work Begins on Weeknights Starting June 14; Weekend Work Begins July 2
See Maps of Service Changes
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) today announced critical infrastructure work coming to its 6 Av and 8 Av lines in Manhattan this summer. The track renewal project on the 6 Av Line ( ) includes replacement of the downtown express track at 47-50 Sts- Rockefeller Center. The existing track has reached the end of its useful life and requires complete replacement, which will lead to improved reliability and better service in one of the busiest corridors in the system. To minimize service changes and future outages the work will occur concurrently with the 8 Av Line Signal Modernization project.
The signal modernization work along the 8 Av Line ( ) will include the installation of axle counter technology which will improve the availability of the new signal by replacing less reliable components of the legacy signal system. Track switch diagnostics that will predictively gauge the health of switch machine movement and remotely report potential failures will also be installed. Once completed, the modern Communications-Based Train Control (CBTC) system signaling system will be installed between 59 St-Columbus Circle in Manhattan and High St in Brooklyn, making that busy corridor more reliable for thousands of daily customers.
“These improvements will allow us to deliver smoother rides and reliable service for subway riders,” said Demetrius Crichlow, NYCT Executive VP for Subways. "NYC Transit remains laser-focused on welcoming New Yorkers back to a modernized system that is the quickest way to navigate the city.”
Weeknight work will start at approximately 9:45 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays and end at 5:00 a.m., Tuesdays through Fridays, starting Monday, June 14. Weekend work will begin on Friday, July 2 with work starting Fridays at 9:45 p.m. and concluding by 5:00 a.m. on Mondays. Customers can view maps of the service changes here and see below for a breakdown.
Weeknights
Projected work schedule: Monday through Friday, June 14 through Aug. 20
- Downtown (Brooklyn-bound) trains will operate via the line between 59 St – Columbus Circle and West 4 St. trains will run via the Subway line between West 4 St and Coney Island-Stillwell Av, making all local stops.
- Uptown (Manhattan-bound) trains will operate via the Subway line between Coney Island – Stillwell Av and 34 St-Herald Sq making all local stops.
- Subway trains in both directions will operate via the line between West 4 St and Coney Island-Stillwell Av in both directions, making all local stops.
Weekends
Projected work schedule: Friday through Monday morning, July 2 through Aug. 2
The weekend service changes will include trains operating in two sections: between Norwood – 205 St and World Trade Center and between West 4 St and Coney Island-Stillwell Av.
Northern Train: Norwood - 205 St to World Trade Center
- Downtown (Brooklyn-bound) trains will operate via the and lines from 59 St-Columbus Circle to World Trade Center, making all local stops. At West 4 St, trains will stop on the upper level (8 Av Line) downtown local track.
- Uptown (Bronx-bound) trains will operate via the line from World Trade Center to West 4 St and via the Subway line from West 4 St to 34 St-Herald Sq, making all local stops. At West 4 St, trains will stop on the lower level (6 Av Line) uptown local track.
Southern Train: West 4 St and Coney Island-Stillwell Av
- trains in both directions will operate between West 4 St and Coney Island-Stillwell Av. At West 4 St, trains will stop on the lower level (6 Av Line) express tracks.
Trains
- Uptown (Queens-bound) trains will operate northbound via the line from Canal St to 42 St-Port Authority Bus Terminal making express stops. Downtown trains will operate normally.
- Uptown trains will operate northbound via the Subway line from Jay St to West 4 St and via the line making local stops from West 4 St to 59 St-Columbus Circle. Downtown (Brooklyn-bound) trains will operate normally.
- Uptown trains will operate northbound via the Subway line from Jay St to West 4 St. Downtown (Brooklyn-bound) trains will operate normally.
- There will be no northbound (Upper Manhattan-bound) service on the or line at Chambers St, Fulton St or High St.
Travel Alternatives
Customers affected by these service changes can use the following travel alternatives:
train service between Manhattan and Brooklyn
- Transfer between the two sections of the at West 4 St. Downtown service from Upper Manhattan and the Bronx will be on the upper level (8 Av Line); all other service will be on the lower level (6 Av Line).
- Transfer is also available between at World Trade Center and the at Cortlandt St for service to and from Brooklyn.
- For Brooklyn-bound service at 7 Av-53 St, take the downtown to West 4 St to transfer to the Brooklyn-bound .
- For Brooklyn-bound service at 47-50 Sts-Rockefeller Center, 42 St-Bryant Park, and 34 St-Herald Square, take the downtown Subway to West 4 St.
Uptown and service
- For service to High St, Fulton St, or Chambers St from Brooklyn or Queens, take Manhattan-bound or train to West 4 St and transfer to a Queens-bound or Brooklyn-bound train.
- For Manhattan-bound service from High St take a Queens-bound or Brooklyn-bound train to Jay St and transfer to a Manhattan-bound or train.
- For uptown service from Fulton St take a Queens-bound or Brooklyn-bound train to Jay St and transfer to a Manhattan-bound or train, or take an uptown or train to Park Place to transfer for free to uptown or service at World Trade Center or to Times Square-42 St to transfer for free to uptown or service at 42 St-Port Authority Bus Terminal.
- For uptown service from Chambers St, take a free transfer to or at World Trade Center.
- For uptown and service from Canal St, take the uptown to 14 St to transfer to the or or take the uptown to West 4 St or 59 St-Columbus Circle to transfer to the or .
- For uptown service from Spring St, take the uptown to West 4 St or 59 St-Columbus Circle to transfer to the or .
Channels for Service Updates
Information about the planned schedule change noted in this press release, and all planned service changes, is available through the MTA’s many real-time service information sources.
MYmta app – Customers who use the comprehensive MYmta smartphone app will see real-time travel information for all MTA services all in one place.
MTA.info–The “Service Status” box at new.MTA.infois always the definitive source for the latest status for each line.
Live Subway Map – The MTA launched a public beta of its groundbreaking Live Subway Map on Oct. 20. In its first iteration the Live Subway Map shows the real-time position of trains, planned service changes at any given time, highlight accessible stations, and much more.
Email and text message service updates – Customers are urged to sign up to receive alerts, tailored by specific branch and time of day, by visiting www.MyMTAAlerts.com.
Twitter – Twitter users can follow @MTA, @NYCTSubway, @NYCTBus, @LIRR and @MetroNorth to receive dynamic service updates and customer service support.
WhatsApp – Customers can chat with NYC Transit via WhatsApp. NYC Transit first added the function last year. WhatsApp expands the number of customer service channels available to riders and is especially helpful for non-native English speakers. Riders can receive customer service support in their native language through the help of Google Translate.
Apple Business Chat – NYC Transit recently launched its Apple Business Chat pilot that allows iPhone users to communicate directly with NYC Transit and get real-time updates.
These communication channels can be accessed while at home or on the go. For customers who are located at stations, the MTA will post the latest service updates on digital signs at station platforms and will make audio announcements over public address systems, and on-board announcements made by train crews.
For those who prefer to contact the MTA by telephone, information is available by dialing 511, the New York State Travel Information Line. Connecticut customers should call 877-690-5114. Those who are deaf or hard of hearing can use their preferred service provider for the free 711 relay to reach the MTA at 511.