MTA Spends $774M on New Technology to Increase Train Service, Reliability on 7 Line
Feb. 26, 2017
Related To: Metropolitan Transportation Authority (NY MTA)
MTA New York City Transit (NYCT) continues to make $774 million worth of critical improvements on the 7 Line and is on target to increase the line’s capacity and reliability with a new high-tech signal system.
The work includes replacement of both underground and elevated tracks, and critical replacement of the existing 50-90 year old fixed-block signal system on the 7 line with state-of-the-art signal technology. New signals will allow for the use of Communications-Based Train Control (CBTC), which increases operational flexibility and allows additional trains to run consistently on the line as the population grows along the corridor.
The work includes replacement of both underground and elevated tracks, and critical replacement of the existing 50-90 year old fixed-block signal system on the 7 line with state-of-the-art signal technology. New signals will allow for the use of Communications-Based Train Control (CBTC), which increases operational flexibility and allows additional trains to run consistently on the line as the population grows along the corridor.
“A safe, reliable Flushing Line is critical to the growth of Queens and these projects are critical to the future of the line,” New York City Transit Acting President Darryl Irick said. “Replacing old tracks means a smoother, faster ride for customers, and installing a modern signal system means less crowded and more reliable commutes.”
Nearly every element of the 7 Line is seeing improvements. In April 2016, reconstruction and fortification of the Steinway Tunnel was completed, bringing it back to a state of good repair after it had suffered saltwater damage from Superstorm Sandy in 2012. The completion of this work was a major milestone in efforts to overhaul the Flushing Line and will be critical to reducing planned and emergency suspensions of service between Manhattan and Queens.
NYCT has also been replacing track panels along various segments of the 7 Line.
Weekend closures will be needed to test previously installed CBTC equipment. The payoff will result in a significantly improved commute in the coming years and a more reliable subway system for everyone. The 2017 schedule below represents scheduled weekend service shutdowns of the 7 Line between Queensboro Plaza and 34 St-Hudson Yards in both directions.
No 7 Train Service between Queensboro Plaza and 34th Street- Hudson Yards March 3-6
March 10-13
March 17-20
March 24-27
October 20-23
October 27-30
November 10-13
November 17-20
Service changes will be in effect from 11:30 PM Friday to 5 a.m. the following Monday. This schedule is subject to change due to inclement weather, which prevents crews from working safely on exposed, elevated segments of the line.
As in previous years during shutdowns, NYCT will be operating free shuttle bus service in Queens making all stops at Queensboro Plaza, Queens Plaza, Court Sq, Hunters Point Av, and Vernon Blvd-Jackson Av stations. Specific information regarding these shuttle buses will be made public in advance of each service suspension. NYCT will also operate weekend 7 service along with 7 service between Queens and Manhattan.
Nearly every element of the 7 Line is seeing improvements. In April 2016, reconstruction and fortification of the Steinway Tunnel was completed, bringing it back to a state of good repair after it had suffered saltwater damage from Superstorm Sandy in 2012. The completion of this work was a major milestone in efforts to overhaul the Flushing Line and will be critical to reducing planned and emergency suspensions of service between Manhattan and Queens.
NYCT has also been replacing track panels along various segments of the 7 Line.
Weekend closures will be needed to test previously installed CBTC equipment. The payoff will result in a significantly improved commute in the coming years and a more reliable subway system for everyone. The 2017 schedule below represents scheduled weekend service shutdowns of the 7 Line between Queensboro Plaza and 34 St-Hudson Yards in both directions.
No 7 Train Service between Queensboro Plaza and 34th Street- Hudson Yards March 3-6
March 10-13
March 17-20
March 24-27
October 20-23
October 27-30
November 10-13
November 17-20
Service changes will be in effect from 11:30 PM Friday to 5 a.m. the following Monday. This schedule is subject to change due to inclement weather, which prevents crews from working safely on exposed, elevated segments of the line.
As in previous years during shutdowns, NYCT will be operating free shuttle bus service in Queens making all stops at Queensboro Plaza, Queens Plaza, Court Sq, Hunters Point Av, and Vernon Blvd-Jackson Av stations. Specific information regarding these shuttle buses will be made public in advance of each service suspension. NYCT will also operate weekend 7 service along with 7 service between Queens and Manhattan.
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March 19, 2012
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