Gov. Hochul Announces Service Plan Ahead of Rockaway Resiliency Project
Written by Jennifer McLawhorn, Managing Editor
MTA’s Far Rockaway Mott AV A Subway Station
Image: Metropolitan Transportation Authority
NEW YORK CITY - During the MTA's Rockaway A and S Train Line Resiliency Project, Governor Hochul announced a plan to help support passengers with shuttle buses.
In a release from the MTA, Governor Hochul’s substitute service plan will allow riders in the Rockaways service alternatives during the rehabilitation work that will take place this winter. Specificities on the free shuttles and discounted fares can be found at the link here.
As for the project, the Hammels Wye Viaduct will be reconstructed and rebuilt with 250 tons of steel. New rail and signal equipment will also be installed. The structure is elevated and “allows A train service to split between west-bound to Rockaway Park and east-bound to Far Rockaway.”
Additionally, crew will make repairs to the South Channel Bridge. The bridge is required to swing open to allow boats to cross Jamaica Bay. Therefore, MTA Construction & Development will use the time needed to repair Hammels Wye to “overhaul the electrical and mechanicals components of the bridge providing more dependable functionality and ensuring more reliable train service for A train riders.” These are both part of a $393 million investment on the Rockaway Line.
Governor Hochul said in a statement, “While these construction plans and changes will create a faster and more reliable transportation experience in and out of the Rockaways for our New Yorkers, we are also cognizant of the burden it will have on residents’ commutes. . . This service plan helps us ensure that we can take care of our residents while transforming their transit experience, and ensuring that we provide fair and reliable transportation alternatives as we carry out the resiliency plan.”
MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber said, “It’s time to make the A train more reliable and resilient for Rockaway riders, and this plan is the fastest and most efficient way to do it. I’m confident the NYC Transit team will deliver on fast and frequent alternative service while work is underway — just as they did for train customers over the summer.”
