Dec. 24, 2018 By Christian Murray

The MTA will not be providing 7 train service between Queensboro Plaza and 34 St-Hudson Yards on most weeknights during January and February—as well as for four weekends in January, the agency announced Friday night.

The abrupt announcement comes after nearly a decade of service changes and other interruptions on the line due to a massive signal system upgrade that was completed last month.

The MTA said that it discovered that some of the track needs to be replaced while completing the new signal system. The track work requires chipping out existing concrete, the installation of a temporary track structure and the pouring of new concrete.

The MTA assures riders that the track is currently safe but needs to be repaired for future reliability.

“The 7 line is a critical transit artery in Queens and we are doing everything we can to improve its reliability and performance,” said NYC Transit President Any Byford in a statement. “This is work that could not have been completed while we were installing the new signal system and it is absolutely critical it be completed soon.”

The MTA said that it will operate shuttle buses from Queensboro Plaza to Vernon Blvd-Jackson Avenue and from Times Sq to 34th Hudson Yards during the closures. On weekends, W train service with operate between Ditmars Blvd and Whitehall St.

Riders have been complaining about hellish commutes in the past month, despite the completion of the new signal system. It prompted Council Member Jimmy Van Bramer to call on Byford to come to the neighborhood for a town hall and explain the poor service.

A town hall meeting has yet to be scheduled.

The following dates are when service between Queensboro Plaza and 34 St-Hudson Yards will be down.

Work will take place during the following weeknights from 11:45 PM to 5 AM:

January 2-4

January 7-11

January 14-18

January 21-25

January 28-February 1

February 4-8

Work will occur during the following weekends from 12:15 AM Saturday to 4:30 AM Monday:

January 5-7

January 12-14

January 19-21

January 26-28*

*During the weekend of January 26-28, train service will be suspended between 74th St-Broadway and 34 St- Hudson Yards.