The L train shutdown is still two years away, but NYC agencies are holding public workshops now, for businesses and residents affected, to hear concerns and get ideas for alternative transportation. The shutdown to repair the Canarsie Tunnel is scheduled to begin in January 2019, and will last for 18 months.
The L train’s Canarsie Tunnel was one of nine underwater tunnels flooded and damaged by salt water during Superstorm Sandy.
Workshops are hosted by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) and the NYC Dept. of Transportation (NYCDOT) the next three Thursdays, Feb. 16 and 23, and March 2, in Manhattan and Brooklyn:
February 16, 2017, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.: Williamsburg
The Williamsburg HS for Architecture & Design, 257 North 6th Street, Brooklyn
February 23, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.: Westside of Manhattan
Our Lady of Guadalupe Church,328 West 14th Street, New York
March 2, 2017, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.: East Williamsburg/Bushwick
Progress High School, 850 Grand Street, Brooklyn
The Canarsie Tunnel was one of nine underwater tunnels that flooded during Superstorm Sandy in 2012, damaging tracks and walls, electrical systems including signal systems and lighting, elevators and escalators, etc. And each underwater tunnel required extensive R&R – rehabilitation and repair.
The Canarsie Tunnel suffered damage throughout a 7,100-foot-long flooded section of both tubes. Bench walls in those sections must be rehabilitated to protect their structural integrity.
During the 18-month rehabilitation process, the MTA also will upgrade stations and tunnel segments closest to the river. Passengers will see new stairs and elevators at the Bedford Av station in Brooklyn and the 1 Av station in Manhattan. Passengers won’t see three new electric substations to provide more power to operate additional trains during rush hours.
Officials from MTA and NYCDOT will be on hand to share information and get feedback on the repairs, including the impact above-ground of construction underground, ADA issues, and impact on bus and subway service.
An important part of the workshops is to get community input on such alternate solutions as increased bicycle use, shuttle buses and ferries, even closing parts of 14th Street to private cars.
The MTA and NYCDOT are also working with local community boards and elected officials, and the plan is to have alternate service plans in place at least one year ahead of the 2019 closure, which means next January, 2018.
What do you think about this? We welcome your comments.