Sign in Subscribe
Bensonhurst

N Train Construction (And Wonky Service) To Begin On January 18

Rachel Silberstein

Rachel Silberstein

— 2 min read
graffiti train
Photo by Rachel Silberstein/Bensonhurst Bean

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.

n line construction
Photo by Bensonhurst Bean

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.

Read more