Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
News
MTA Urges Patience, Mercy Before 7 Train Shutdown This Weekend
By
Christopher Robbins
Published May 18, 2011
Modified May 18, 2011
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
By
Christopher Robbins
Published May 18, 2011
Modified May 18, 2011
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
What with the rain falling and the apocalypse nigh, things couldn't get much worse, right? Don't be so naive: this weekend the MTA is shutting down all service on the 7 between Times Square and Queensboro Plaza to address "a recent increase in signal-related delays" caused by "an aging signal system and water-related issues." As always, the MTA in its press release is asking "patience from customers," but for riders of the 7, that's like getting blood from a stone.
What makes shutdowns like these (oh I'm sorry, "these" refers to the other two weekends in which the same stretch of the 7 will be shutdown: June 24-27 and July 29-August 1) necessary are "tight tunnel clearances in the Steinway under river tunnels make this section of the line one of the most challenging areas in the system in which to work," and we're guessing to ride, too!
While the MTA "removes silt and muck from the roadbed," installs "a state-of the-art signaling system," and collects death threats from Queens residents, here's how you can get around the issues this weekend:
Take the E, N, R or F service for travel between Queens and Manhattan. Free shuttle buses will be available between the Queensboro Plaza (N, 7) and Vernon Boulevard-Jackson Avenue (7) stations, making stops at Queens Plaza (E, R), 45th Road-Court House Square (E, 7) and Hunters Point Avenue (7). In addition, the Grand Central (S) shuttle will continue operating through the overnight hours.
Tagged
7 train
Agony
Commute Change
delays
MTA
queens
Queensboro Plaza
service work
Times Square
Christopher Robbins
Christopher Robbins is a New York City reporter covering transportation, affordable housing, local politics, and criminal justice. His work has also appeared in New York Magazine, The Village Voice and The New York Times. Chris is a graduate of Patrick Henry High School in Roanoke, Virginia, and enjoys biking to Fort Tilden in the summertime.
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE news
NY's prison system is in crisis. It's driving staff away from the job.
The state is currently struggling with a 56% vacancy rate among prison workers.
By
Emily Russell
Published Oct 4, 2026 at 7:00 a.m. ET
NYPD searching for suspect after fatal stabbing in Queens
Officers responding to a call at the intersection of Jamaica Avenue and 173rd Street around 1 a.m. found 29-year-old Sulimon Ferrier, who had multiple stab wounds to his chest, police said.
By
Ben Feuerherd
News
NYPD searching for suspect after fatal stabbing in Queens
Officers responding to a call at the intersection of Jamaica Avenue and 173rd Street around 1 a.m. found 29-year-old Sulimon Ferrier, who had multiple stab wounds to his chest, police said.
By
Ben Feuerherd
NYPD: 2 suspects in off-duty officer stabbing tried to rob victim
By
Jill Webb
Astoria-born Chip City announces sudden closure days after former CEO sues
By
Catalina Gonella
US judge tosses Trump lawsuit targeting pro-Palestinian protesters in NJ
By
Willow Higgins
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .