ICYMI: For 40 Weekends, A/C Trains Are Rerouted Between Brooklyn & Manhattan

Photo by Billie Ward

Local A and C train riders will have one less thing to be thankful for next year, as reports emerge that the Cranberry Street tunnel connecting Brooklyn and Manhattan will be shut downfor 40 weekends in 2015 and early 2016, forcing extensive subway reroutes.

Gothamist wrote last week about the forthcoming disruption, which was discussed at a recent Community Board 2 meeting. While MTA representative Andy Inglesby said exact dates for the tunnel shutdown have not yet been determined, the publication says that during chosen weekends, the A/C will run via the F from Jay Street/MetroTech to West 4th Street.

MTA spokesman Adam Lisberg also told the publication that construction will include electrical work like replacing antenna and communication cables as well as lighting in the tunnel.

“Since most of the tunnel structure will be undisturbed, this type of work can be performed during weekend shutdowns instead of long-term tube closures,” Lisberg says.

This information comes on the heels of a campaign by the Riders Alliance targeted at improving C train service. In June, the MTA vowed to review conditions on the A/C line by the end of 2015.

While news of the disruption makes us want to groan and grumble now, we suppose the results may end up being worth a mention at the Thanksgiving table in 2016.