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G Whiz: MTA proposes partial 6-week shutdown of G train this summer
By
Giulia Heyward
Published Jan 16, 2024
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By
Giulia Heyward
Published Jan 16, 2024
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The MTA is considering a major shutdown of the G train over the summer that could leave some Greenpoint residents without subway access for six weeks.
The partial shutdown — which would allow the agency to revamp the signal operating system – would include three major shutdowns of the G train from June through Labor Day.
The MTA is proposing closing down the G train from Court Square to Nassau Avenue from June 28 to July 15; Court Square to Bedford-Nostrand from July 5 to Aug. 12; and Bedford-Nostrand to Hoyt-Schermerhorn from Aug. 12 to Sept. 2.
City Councilmember Lincoln Restler, who was at a briefing on Friday where the agency shared the news with a small group of local elected officials – said he was “deeply concerned” with the proposal. Restler, who represents the district where the shutdowns would take place, sent a newsletter alerting residents on Tuesday.
“It’s particularly harmful for the Greenpoint community, where the G train is our lifeline,” he told Gothamist. “It’s the only train that serves the neighborhood, it’s the way people get to work, it’s the way people get into the neighborhood to support local businesses, go to shows, see their friends.”
But the schedule is still being finalized — meaning that any proposed shutdowns of the G train have yet to be set in stone.
“The MTA is full speed ahead in the rollout of Communications-Based Train Control (CBTC) that will expand modern signaling and decrease headways throughout the transit system,” agency spokesperson Eugene Resnick said in a statement to Gothamist. “We look forward to continuing engagement with communities across the G line to ensure CBTC installation is delivered efficiently with as little disruption to service as possible.”
While Restler told Gothamist he thinks changes to the outdated signaling system are important, he said he hopes the MTA will opt for more evening and weekend closures instead of entire weeklong shutdowns during the summer.
“Greenpoint is singularly dependent on the G train; it is our lifeline,” he said.
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Giulia Heyward
Giulia Heyward is a breaking news reporter on the Day-Of desk. She previously worked at NPR, as a breaking news reporter, and the New York Times, as a reporting fellow on the national desk. Her work has also appeared in CNN, The Atlantic and Politico. Got a tip? Email [email protected] or more securely on signal at 917-715-1458.
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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