G Train Shutdown Enters Final Phase: See Impacted Stations Here

BROOKLNY, NY — Brooklynites, the G train summer shutdown is almost over. However, before service fully resumes, there are a few more disruptions scheduled for commuters.

Starting today, G train service between the Bedford-Nostrand Avenues and Church Avenue stations in Brooklyn will be suspended. This change represents the final phase of a month-long interruption, which is expected to end after Labor Day, transit officials said.

The suspension is part of the MTA's upgrades to the G train’s outdated signal system, aimed at improving service on the Crosstown Line. The improvements are set to facilitate more reliable service for a system "now past the end of its useful life."

The G train’s signal system, which dates back to the 1930s, is being updated with communications-based train control (CBTC) to enhance reliability for its 160,000 daily riders. Once the project is finished, the G train will be the third subway line to be fully converted to CBTC, joining the L and 7 lines.

This final phase began this morning at 4 a.m. and will continue until 5 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 3, just after Labor Day weekend.

“We appreciate customers’ understanding as we work to modernize a signal system that dates back to the FDR administration,” said MTA Construction & Development President Jamie Torres-Springer. “We’re delivering this project better, faster, and cheaper with phased outages that ensure we get this critical work finished as efficiently as possible.”

The three-phase shutdown of the G line began at the end of June, much to the frustration of Brooklyn commuters who depend on the G train to travel across the borough. To assist residents, the MTA provided free shuttle buses as a replacement, but some passengers reported that the buses nearly doubled their commute times.

Despite some complaints, the MTA will continue to offer free bus service during this final phase, running between Bedford-Nostrand Avenues and Jay Street–MetroTech

At Jay Street–MetroTech, customers can transfer to the F train, which will serve all stops between Bergen St. and Church Ave. stations.

“We’re transforming the subway with a modern signal system that will deliver faster and more reliable service for generations to come,” said MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber. “I’m proud of the successful shuttle bus operation New York City Transit has delivered to keep train customers moving throughout the duration of this project.”

Phase three will start with the replacement of curved tracks between Bergen St. and Hoyt St. This segment, where G trains navigate a sharp turn, experiences significant wear and tear on both the rails and train wheels, MTA officials said.

Extensive shuttle bus service will replace G train operations, with buses stopping at all G stations where service is suspended. Click here to view maps of the shuttle bus routes.

During this period, the shuttle buses will make all the stops that the G train normally serves and operate as follows:

Weekdays:

• Every one to four minutes in the morning, afternoon and evening.
• Every five to ten minutes during late evening and overnight hours.

Saturdays:

• Every three to five minutes morning, afternoon, and evening.
• Every five to ten minutes during late evening and overnight hours.

Sundays:

• Every three to five minutes morning, afternoon, and evening.
• Every six to ten minutes during late evening and overnight hours.

In phases one and two, the project team completed key upgrades, including rebuilding the train interlocking between 21st Street and Court Square.

The new setup includes 3,000 feet of third rail and over 50 miles of new cables for improved communications. A new lubrication system was also added to reduce train noise, making for a quieter and smoother ride.

All three phases also included the installation of modern composite railroad ties, which are more water-resistant than traditional wooden ties, transit officials said.