L Train Won’t Shut Down Until 2018, Disruptions Could Last Seven Years

by
2

Photo of Levin by emilyshu; photo of L train by Mary Hautman

New details on the much-feared L train tunnel repairs — which would entail shutting down one or both sets of tracks running between Brooklyn and Manhattan — came to light this week at a local community board meeting.

City Council Member Stephen Levin told the crowd that repairs to the tunnel could take two to seven years, according to Gothamist.

But the MTA brass haven’t made up their minds about how to approach the much-needed repairs. MTA reps met with local politicians earlier this month to discuss possible timelines and service options.

Here are three probable contenders:

  • 18 months — tunnels closed completely for marathon track work
  • Three years — close just one of the two tunnels at a time, with limited service
  • Seven years — tunnels closed for repairs just on nights and weekends

But no matter the approach, L train riders have some time to prepare (or move). The repairs likely won’t kick off until 2018, explained Assemblyman Joseph R. Lentol at the meeting.

Even so, any disruption could be devastating for local businesses. Some have seen their sales drop by more than half on weekends when the L isn’t running in the past, according to Williamsburg-based developer and Community Board 1 member Toby Moskovits.

“The MTA has been awarded nearly $5 billion in federal Sandy aid and has prioritized repairs to the flood-damaged 100-year-old Canarsie Tubes,” said Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney in an MTA press release.

The tunnel, which serves roughly 225,000 riders each weekday, was damaged by saltwater flooding from superstorm Sandy in 2012.

[Source: Gothamist]

Related Stories
Yes, the MTA Might Close L Train Tunnel for Years — But Wait, There’s Hope
It’s No Teleporter, But the Mayor-Supported Streetcar Is Going to Be a Game Changer
Would You Ride This $1.7 Billion Brooklyn-Queens Streetcar?

Email tips@brownstoner.com with further comments, questions or tips. Follow Brownstoner on Twitter and Instagram, and like us on Facebook.

Brooklyn in Your Inbox

* indicates required
 
Subscribe

What's Happening