What's Going On with the L Train Shutdown?

The MTA is often a source of NYC drama, with its crowds, under-capitalization, fare hikes and constant signal issues, but the drama over the reconstruction of the Canarsie Tunnel seems more dramatic than usual. After four years of planning, the whole plan seemed like it could be postponed or scrapped. But now it's March, and the L train is really going down, starting on April 27 for 5 months. During that time, there will be no service under the river and no service across 14th Street in Manhattan overnight and on weekends.

The original plan called for the entire tunnel to be shut down, with no service at any time. The new plan will preserve service during weekdays when most commuters rely on the crosstown subway line.

According to Fernando Ferrer, the acting chairman of the MTA, the new Canarsie Tunnel rehab plan will take between 15-20 months, with those night and weekend closures. There will still be additional service on the J/M/Z and 7 lines, but what this means for other mitigation efforts planned alongside the L train shutdown—expanded bus service, new bike lanes, and more Citi Bikes—is, at this point, unclear.

You can read more about the current shutdown plan on Curbed.com here.