N Train Construction (And Wonky Service) To Begin On January 18
Southern Brooklyn’s decrepit N line stations will finally get some TLC this month, but unfortunately that comes with a price for local commuters.
The first half of the MTA’s planned four-year renovation of the long-neglected subway line will begin on January 18, reports the Brooklyn Daily Eagle, which means the following northbound subway platforms will be out of service for 14 months:
- Eighth Avenue
- Fort Hamilton Parkway
- New Utrecht Avenue
- 18th Avenue
- 20th Avenue
- Bay Parkway
- Kings Highway
- Avenue U
- 86th Street
In other words, the Manhattan-bound N train will only be making express stops at Eighth Avenue and Bay Parkway, where temporary platforms will be set up.
Passengers who commute to work via the N train at Fort Hamilton Parkway, New Utrecht Avenue, 18th Avenue, or 20th Avenue stations will have to take the downtown train to Bay Parkway, and then transfer to a Manhattan-bound train.
Riders who get on at Kings Highway, Avenue U, and 86th Street will have to take a southbound train to the Stillwell Avenue station, and transfer to the northbound express N.
On the other hand, these are some of changes we can expect to see on N line platforms when the work is complete:
- New lighting
- New platforms
- Repairs to arches and parapet walls
- Rehabilitation of interior and exterior walls
- New artwork
- Enhanced safety features
- Upgraded communication systems
- Repaired or replaced of stairs
- New mezzanine floors
- Doors and windows
- Repairs to platform canopies
- A fresh coat of graffiti-proof paint
“We are aware of inconvenience this may cause customers, but we ask your patience as we undertake this important project to repair the nine stations along the N line,” said MTA spokesperson Marisa Baldeo.
Once Manhattan-bound platforms are refurbished, construction will begin on the Coney Island-bound platforms, screwing up your after-work commute.
Correction: A previous version of this story misstated the subway stations that will have temporary Manhattan-bound platforms set up. It also omitted two extra stations that will be closed for the renewal project.