HOBOKEN, NJ — Travel is about to get a little more complicated at PATH train stations on weekends until the end of October, but it's all in the name of safety, Port Authority officials say.

On Friday afternoon, the Port Authority announced that the PATH train system is slated for a 17-weekend series of tunnel and station closures, beginning the weekend of May 19 and resuming July 7 through the end of October. According to Port Authority officials, the closures are being done to complete federally mandated Positive Train Control (PTC) equipment and software installation and perform "rigorous tests of the system."

See related article: PATH Tackles PTC and Sleep Apnea In Wake Of Hoboken Train Crash Port Authority officials stated: "The PTC schedule will mean closing the Exchange Place and World Trade Center stations during the weekends of May 19 and July 7, which will affect the Newark-World Trade Center lines. All New York PATH stations from Hoboken to 33rd Street will be closed starting the weekend of July 14 and running through October 28, impacting train schedules and service." Officials said:

"The Hoboken PATH station will be open during this period except for three Sundays: September 15 and 22, and October 13. The closures will run each weekend from 11:59 p.m. on Fridays through 5 a.m. the following Monday. They will not be in effect Labor Day weekend." Port Authority officials offered affected riders a consolation gift: "To ease rider impact, PATH is working with the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) to provide free, 2-trip MetroCards for travelers affected by the closures. Customers will be able to pick up the 2-trip cards at designated points from PATH ambassadors. The special MetroCards can be used only during the weekend issued." Once the outages work begins and throughout the period of PTC work, closure details and updates can be accessed through www.panynj.gov/PATHplanner.

"The Port Authority and PATH are working diligently to ensure we maintain the highest level of customer service during this period of system and safety improvements," said Port Authority Executive Director Rick Cotton. "What this will mean in the long term is a far safer, more convenient and highly efficient system for all of our customers."

"We're aware of the inconvenience the PTC project will mean for so many of our weekend passengers, and we appreciate their patience and understanding as we continue this vitally important work to improve their travel experience," said PATH General Manager Michael Marino.

According to Port Authority officials, PATH conducted a similar weekend closure program during the second half of 2016 in the first phase of PTC implementation, primarily for initial equipment and signal installation. The railroad is on track to meet the federal PTC implementation deadline of December 31, 2018. "It will provide a safer, more secure ride for passengers, and contribute to increased train frequency and capacity," Port Authority officials stated.