Subway riders in the Bronx and Manhattan should prepare for significant changes to their travels as the MTA undertakes necessary track switch replacements. As per an AM New York report, this major overhaul will impact late-night and weekend service for No. 4 and No. 5 train lines, an inconvenience set to stretch well into late February.
The main goal behind these service disruptions, slated to start on Jan. 26 and end on Feb. 20, is to replace outdated switches that have dutifully served the crossing paths between boroughs for 37 years. The MTA's initiative promises to ultimately reduce delays and improve service reliability for the roughly 1.1 million passengers who regularly navigate these routes. These aging mechanisms will be swapped out for new hardware expected to last another two decades, guaranteeing a smoother transit experience in the long term.
As the MTA kicks off the work, No. 4 trains have been split into two sections during weeknights, from 11:45 p.m. to 5 a.m., and these adjustments will also span across five consecutive weekends starting Jan. 23. The PIX 11 coverage offers a clear picture of the interim service map: No. 4 trains will run between Woodlawn and 149th Street-Grand Concourse and between Third Avenue-138th Street and New Lots Avenue, ensuring all local stops in Manhattan continue to be served despite the ongoing work.
Moving to the weekend alterations, No. 5 trains will transform to effectively shuttle passengers between Eastchester-Dyre Avenue and East 180th Street in the Bronx. Also, specific weekday adjustments necessitate some 4 and 5 trains to reroute, with some No. 4 trains making their way to 3 Av–138 St and certain No. 5 trains traversing the No. 2 line between 149 St–Grand Concourse and Nevins St during the rush hours. Adding to the transit mix during weekends, free shuttle buses will bridge the gap between 149 St–Grand Concourse and 3 Av–138 St. For those seeking alternatives to the subway, the MTA recommends the 2 or D trains, as well as the Metro-North Railroad's Hudson or Harlem lines where cross-honoring of fares will be in place.
Riders are encouraged to stay informed on the service disruptions and to plan their travels accordingly. Real-time updates and additional details can readily be found at the MTA website.
