The N Train Is Back, For Now

Carly Miller -
Manhattan-bound N trains re-open at 20th Avenue station and 8 other southern Brooklyn stations. (Photo by Carly Miller/BKLYNER)

It’s official, we visited all nine stations on the N line that were slated to open on Monday — and all MTA employees on-site confirmed that the Manhattan-bound N train service has resumed.

After more than a year of closures, it’s back to business as usual for northbound morning commuters.

Though the platforms are open, some stations remain mired in construction. (Photo by Carly Miller/BKLYNER)

Here are the stations with resumed N train service:

  • Fort Hamilton Parkway
  • New Utrecht
  • 18th Avenue
  • 20th Avenue
  • Kings Highway
  • Avenue U
  • 86th Street
  • full platforms at Bay Parkway
(PHoto by Carly Miller/BKLYNER)

However, looks can be deceiving. On Friday, some southern Brooklynites remained skeptical — many who’ve been snubbed by the MTA for too long — commenting that the stations look nowhere near ready for re-opening.

For example, there are still fences, orange partitions, and construction gear at the New Utrecht Avenue and 86th Street entrances.

It could take a walk around the block to find the entrance to the New Utrecht station, said one frustrated commuter today. (Photo by Carly Miller/BKLYNER)

But these projects are part of the broader MTA Capital Program, promising replaced platforms and overpasses, repaired walls, and new PA systems at these same N stations before 2019.

But don’t get too excited, straphangers — N train riders from Sunset Park to Bensonhurst will face the same closures going home from work, as the almost $400 million renovations will switch to Coney Island-bound platforms starting in July (exact dates TBA).

The entire 9-station project is expected to take approximately four years, with full completion expected in late 2018, said MTA officials.

How has the station re-openings affected your morning commute so far? Let us know at editor@bklyner.com or leave a comment below.