On Sept. 10, the MTA announced that crews will replace track switches and perform an array of other improvement projects on the lines beginning on Oct. 9, which will lead to improved reliability and better service throughout the lines in Brooklyn, The Bronx, Manhattan and Queens.

The work will require three weekends with selected service in Manhattan and Brooklyn, which will be supplemented by free shuttle buses and alternate subway service.

Replacing track switches north of Atlantic Av-Barclays Center will allow the  lines to move safely between the local and express tracks while providing operational flexibility, reducing delays and improving reliability. The switches were last replaced in 1996 and have reached the end of their useful life. They are located on a curved portion of track and wear more rapidly.

“Building on the success of the recently completed Union Square track project we are again taking advantage of this period of low ridership to get work done and make sure the system is upgraded,” said Janno Lieber, President of MTA Construction & Development. “Completing this track work now will benefit New Yorkers returning to the system in the coming months.”

“Despite the challenges the MTA is facing as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, our crews are still completing projects that improve the reliability, performance and safety of our system,” said Sarah Feinberg, Interim President, NYC Transit. “This work is crucial in moving towards a modernized system that results in as few disruptions as possible for our riders.”

The  lines are currently carrying approximately 33% to 50% of pre-pandemic weekend ridership, between 44,000 and 65,000 riders, reducing the disruption of the work and impacting as few riders as possible. The impact on customers is also significantly reduced due to the ongoing overnight subway shutdown between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m., during which there is robust alternate service available on MTA buses.

While this switch replacement work is happening, MTA Construction & Development and other departments from across NYC Transit will use the track access to also perform a multitude of other reliability improvement projects, including track maintenance and drain cleaning. The NYC Department of Transportation will also perform inspections on the Manhattan Bridge.

The work is being performed during the following weekends from 9:30 p.m. Friday to 5 a.m. Monday:

1. Oct. 9-12
2. Oct. 16-19
3. Oct. 23-26

Free shuttle buses will run between Atlantic Av-Barclays Center and 9 Av, and between Broadway-Lafayette St and Grand St, serving all skipped stations on 4 Av. The MTA will honor free MetroCard transfers for subway-shuttle and bus-subway trips in Brooklyn.

•  trains will operate in two sections; between 34 St-Herald Sq and 205 St in Manhattan and the Bronx, and between 9 Av and Coney Island in Brooklyn

1. Customers can transfer to the  for service between Manhattan and Brooklyn
2. Free shuttle buses will run between Atlantic Av-Barclays Center  and 9 Av , and between Broadway-Lafayette St  and Grand St

•  trains will operate in two sections: between Astoria and Brighton Beach, and between 36 St/4 Av and Coney Island

1. Customers can transfer at Atlantic Av-Barclays Center or 36 St/4 Av for free connecting shuttle bus

•  trains will operate in two sections: between Forest Hills and Whitehall St, and between 36 St/4Av and Bay Ridge

1. Customers can transfer to the  for service between Manhattan and Brooklyn
2. Free shuttle buses will serve all  stations between Atlantic Av-Barclays Center and 36 St/4 Av

MTA officials began outreach about the work with local elected officials and community boards during the first week of September. Follow-up conversations will continue throughout the duration of the projects.

The MTA will post both print and digital signage in stations, along with announcements in stations and on trains ahead of the scheduled work. Customer service notifications will be made on trains, posted at affected stations and posted on the MTA website, the MYmta app and social media. Customers can also sign up for text and email alerts at www.myMTAalerts.com.

Maps, fact sheets and other resources are available on the on the project’s webpage.