MTA Service Suspension Looms As Superstorm Sandy Repairs Still Needed

Next spring the MTA will shut down weekend service on the 2 and 3 train between Manhattan and Brooklyn for Superstorm Sandy-related repairs, affecting approximately 205,000 riders.

The Clark Street Tube, which is one of nine MTA New York City Transit subway tunnels flooded and damaged during sandy, will close for 56 straight weekends beginning in the of spring 2017 for extensive rehabilitation work, announced the MTA.

The 1.2 mile-long tunnel was flooded with more than half a million gallons of corrosive salt water, damaging tracks, signals, pumping equipment, and electrical and switching equipment.

While temporary repairs immediately after the storm allowed for a safe return to service, extensive reconstruction will be required to ensure that 2 and 3 line operations remain safe and viable in the future.

“The Clark St project is the next phase in what is the most extensive reconstruction and fortification effort in the history of the New York City subway system,” said NYC Transit President Ronnie Hakim.  “This effort is well underway and we continue to face the challenge of performing these vital tasks as quickly and effectively as possible while minimizing the impact on our customers’ commutes.”

Here are some of the changes which will take place during the repairs:

• The 2 train will be rerouted onto the 1 line south of Chambers Street and would terminate at South Ferry station. 3 trains service will be terminated at the 14th Street station.
• Weekend service termination to cause a loss of 2 and 3 service at Clark Street, Borough Hall, and Hoyt Street stations in Brooklyn as well as Park Place, Fulton Street, and Wall Street in Manhattan.

For alternate service in Brooklyn on the weekends:

• the MTA will extend 4 train service from Crown Heights-Utica Avenue to New Lots Avenue to replace the 3 train.
• The 5 train service will be extended from Bowling Green to Flatbush Av-Brooklyn College to replace the 2 train.
• Both the 4 and 5 trains will operate as local service south of Nevins Street.

The weekend service plan will also include a free out-of-system transfer between the Bowling Green station and the 1,2, R and N (late nights only) at the Whitehall Street-South Ferry station complex to facilitate travel between Brooklyn and the 7 Av and Broadway lines in Manhattan.

Here is a full view of the MTA’s summary of service changes starting in the spring of 2017.