NEW YORK (1010 WINS) – The MTA will start service changes Friday on the A line between Howard Beach and the Rockaway Peninsula due to a structural rehabilitation project, affecting travel for Queens residents.
The $400 million plan will involve a complete rebuild of sections of the elevated track, requiring a 17-week suspension of A train service in the area, according to the MTA.
The Rockaway Line was heavily damaged by Superstorm Sandy, the MTA said. Emergency repairs restored service seven months later, but the viaducts and bridge over Broad Channel now need major upgrades to protect against future storms and provide reliable service for over 9,000 daily riders.
The A train will not run between Howard Beach–JFK Airport, Far Rockaway–Mott Avenue, and Rockaway Park–Beach 116th Street. Additionally, Rockaway Park Shuttle trains will not operate to or from Broad Channel.
During the outage, riders will have access to a range of service alternatives. These include free shuttle buses, enhanced service on the QM15, QM16, and QM17 bus routes, and steep discounts on fares at the Long Island Rail Road's Far Rockaway Station.
Rockaway residents can also travel on the LIRR from Far Rockaway for $2.75 each way, with round-trip tickets available for purchase at the station. Additionally, a fare-free shuttle train will be extended to serve all stations on the Rockaway Peninsula between Far Rockaway and Rockaway Park.
"New York City Transit is prepared to get Rockaway riders where they need to go with clear messaging, robust bus service, and fare free shuttles," Rockaways Service Lead Hugo Zamora said. "And riders can trust that I'll remain laser focused on delivering reliable alternative service they can count on for the entirety of this project."
More details on the service changes about the A line and Rockaway Park can be found on the MTA website.
Service will return on May 19.
