J/M/Z subway stations in Brooklyn get accelerated repairs to prep for L train shutdown

As the L train shutdown draws closer, the MTA has been working to prep other subway lines that may have to pick up the slack during the 15-month closure and has announced accelerated track repairs and station improvements along the J, M, and Z lines that will impact service for the next few weekends.

“New York City Transit is extremely focused on conducting as much repair and maintenance work as possible on [the J/M/Z lines] to limit any unplanned service outages when the L becomes a Brooklyn-only line,” says the MTA. As a result, the agency is working to make capacity improvements at stations along the J/M/Z lines that include widening stairs, turnstile areas, and entrance/exit areas.

Construction recently wrapped up at the Hewes Street station, where a new staircase and additional turnstiles will reportedly help double capacity. A similar project is now scheduled to commence at the Marcy Avenue station, which will impact service at the station for the few weekends that remain this year, and even a few in early 2019. “To accelerate construction for station improvements at Marcy Av J/M/Z and track work, crews will require total track or station access on select weekends in November and December,” said the MTA in a press release.

Here’s what to expect:

Service changes on the following weekends begin at approximately 9:45 p.m. on Fridays to 5 a.m. on Mondays:

November 23–26

• J trains operate between Hewes St and Jamaica Center.
• M service is suspended.
• Free shuttle buses provide alternate service between Essex St and Metropolitan Av in two routes:

1. between Essex St and Hewes St
2. between Essex St and Metropolitan Av

November 30–December 3

• J trains operate between Hewes St and Jamaica Center.
• M trains operate between Metropolitan Av and Myrtle Av.
• Free shuttle buses provide alternate service between Essex St and Hewes St

December 7–10

• J trains operate between Hewes St and Jamaica Center.
• M service is suspended.
• Free shuttle buses provide alternate service between Essex St and Metropolitan Av in two routes:

1. between Essex St and Hewes St
2. between Essex St and Metropolitan Av

December 14–17, 21–24, 28–31, and January 4–7, 2019

• M service is suspended.
• Free shuttle buses provide alternate service between Essex St and Metropolitan Av.

January 11–14, 18–21, 25–28

• J trains operate between Myrtle Av and Jamaica Center.
• M service is suspended.
• Free shuttle buses provide alternate service between Essex St and Metropolitan Av in two routes:

1. between Essex St and Myrtle Av
2. between Essex St and Metropolitan Av