After 17 weeks of closure and extensive repairs, the A train service to the Rockaways will be back on track starting May 19. The critical work, which stems from damage caused by Superstorm Sandy in 2012, addressed lingering vulnerabilities of the transit infrastructure at Hammels Wye Viaduct and South Channel Bridge, known to be prone to future extreme weather events.
The period of downtime was used to not only replace but to also fortify the tracks and structures. According to Gothamist, new wave barriers, a debris shield, and cushioned tracks have been installed to increase resiliency and ensure smoother commutes for the roughly 9,000 daily passengers. Jamie Torres-Springer, MTA head of construction, told Gothamist, "Instead of waiting for the next disaster to strike, we have replaced our infrastructure out here so that we can keep running service instead of having to deal with it after." The South Channel Bridge, part of this revamp, has been fitted with modern parts necessary to maintain its function as a swing bridge for marine traffic.
amNewYork reported that the MTA offered free shuttle bus services and discounted Long Island Rail Road fares during the closure. Upon resumption of the service, regular fares will apply, which necessitates for commuters to resume paying the $2.90 subway fare and the standard LIRR rates.
The completion of this project is deemed crucial not just for the immediate relief of commuters but also for future-proofing the transit line. In a statement obtained by amNewYork, Ben Furnas, executive director of Transportation Alternatives, expressed excitement about the development: "We’re thrilled that the A train is once again going out to the Rockaways and that structural damage from Hurricane Sandy has now been repaired." Brian Fritsch, associate director of the Permanent Citizens Advisory Committee to the MTA, commended the completion of the work "ahead of schedule and well before the summer rush to the beach." Danny Pearlstein, policy and communications director at the Riders Alliance, stated that the return of the A train service is "great news for the whole city," emphasizing the importance of "reliable, resilient service."
Further enhancements, such as modern signal equipment, were not incorporated during the repair works. However, the MTA did install casings to house the future communication equipment, as per Gothamist's report. This anticipatory move is set to streamline subsequent upgrades. With the Second Avenue subway's next phase looming, the A train renovations have set a significant precedent for the MTA's approach towards infrastructure fortification and modernization.
