So, today, let’s take a break from the Long Island Rail Road and take a look at one of the hottest NYC transit construction projects that’s currently going on.
First off, the goal of this project is to improve conditions to meet ADA requirements, address the dire conditions of some of the stations, and boost reliability along the IRT Flushing 7 train.
As of now, both the Manhattan-and Flushing-bound (7) platforms at 111 St and 82 St- Jackson Heights have reopened.
A YouTuber I know, known as JC if your interested, as broken the project into multiple phases, which is helpful considering how confusing things can get.
Phase 1-
- The Manhattan-bound platforms closed at 111 St and 82 St- Jackson Heights.
Phase 2-
- The express track at Woodside-61 St closed.
Phase 3-
- Phase 3, the one that was just completed, the Flushing-bound platforms were closed at 82 St-Jackson Heights and 111 St.
Phase 4-
- In Phase 4, all Manhattan-bound <7> trains will run express between Main St and 46 St, and then local via temporary platforms at 46 Street- Bliss St, 40 St- Lowery St, and 33 St- Rawson St, then local to Hudson Yards 34 St.
Phase 5-
- In Phase 5, Queens-bound <7> trains will run local to 46 St, then making express stops after Woodside-61 St to Flushing-Main St,
Phase 6-
- The Flushing-bound platform closed at 103 St-Corona Plaza.
Phase 7-
- The Manhattan-bound platform closed at 103 St- Corona Plaza.
As for when the start of Phase 4 will occur, we’re currently waiting for work on Woodside-61 St to finish, so, when that happens it should begin. My guess is that it’ll begin sometime in the middle of the year like May, June, or July.
And, the most asked question is “when will full <7> express be restored.” And, the best answer to that may be small periods in between phases.
I hope this clears up some stuff about this project, which I consider to be extremely confusing.