N Line 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 stops will be closed for at least 14 months:

• Fort Hamilton Parkway
• New Utrecht Avenue
• 18th Avenue
• 20th Avenue
• Kings Highway
• Avenue U
• 86th Street

In other words, the Manhattan-bound N train will only be making express stops at Eighth Avenue, 86th Street and at a a temporary platform set up at Bay Parkway.

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.