Queens 7 train riders are staring down a messy stretch of service headaches, with a month of changes starting this weekend and ripple effects expected right through 2027. The MTA has lined up weekend shutdowns, directional station skips and long‑term platform rebuilds along the Flushing line.
What to expect this weekend
According to amNY, the 7 will be completely out of service between 74 St‑Broadway in Jackson Heights and 34 St‑Hudson Yards in Manhattan during two weekend windows: from 11:30 p.m. Friday, May 8 through 3:30 a.m. Monday, May 11, and again from 11:30 p.m. Friday, May 22 through 10:30 a.m. Monday, May 25. During those stretches, trains will either terminate or be rerouted in Queens, and the MTA plans to steer riders to alternative connections at nearby hubs.
Short‑term station skips and temporary platforms
From May 11 to May 22, Manhattan‑bound 7 trains will skip 69 St, 52 St, 46 St‑Bliss St and 33 St‑Rawson St while crews tackle platform and access work. To keep trains running while construction is underway, temporary platforms will be installed at 33 St‑Rawson, 40 St‑Lowery and 46 St‑Bliss so permanent boarding areas can be rebuilt.
Service‑notice compilations show riders at affected stops are being directed to nearby alternatives at 74 St‑Broadway, 61 St‑Woodside or 40 St‑Lowery for Manhattan‑bound trips. SubwayStats
Longer‑term pattern beginning May 25
Starting May 25, the MTA shifts into a longer‑term service pattern tied to full platform reconstruction. Flushing‑bound 7 trains will run local but continue to skip 52 St and 69 St for the duration of the work, while Manhattan‑bound express trains will run local between 74 St‑Broadway and Queensboro Plaza during rush hours.
The MTA describes the project as part of a broader station‑renewal effort that also adds flood protection for the Steinway Tube and upgrades accessibility at multiple stops. According to the agency's project page, full station renewals, including at 52 St and 69 St, are scheduled to run into 2027. MTA
Contractors and transit officials say the schedule stretched out after demolition crews uncovered more severe deterioration than anticipated. In a statement to amNY, contractor Bill Montanile said, "Our initial plan was straightforward... however, once concrete demolition began, the situation changed dramatically." That discovery, officials say, pushed projected completion into 2027 as crews stabilize structures and add flood‑protection measures.
Rider alternatives and tips
During the short‑term May work, riders are being advised to use 74 St‑Broadway, 61 St‑Woodside or 40 St‑Lowery for Manhattan‑bound service, and to build in extra time for transfers. Service notices indicate that at Woodside, boarding will take place from the Flushing‑bound platform during the mid‑May changes, then flip to a different pattern under the long‑term plan that begins May 25, so riders should follow posted directions in the station.
For the latest day‑to‑day information, riders are encouraged to check the MTA Planned Service Changes tool or the MTA app before heading out. MTA Planned Service Changes
