Superstorm Sandy left the Canarsie Tube with heavy equipment and structural damage, and although minor and emergency repairs have been conducted, there is a need for a complete overhaul. With a total of 400,000 daily riders on the L line - from which 225,000 use the Canarsie Tube, the MTA & the DOT are proposing different intermodal transportation links to maintain transit service for residents in Brooklyn.
On April 2017 a contract has been awarded, with work planned to begin in April 2019, resulting in a 15-month closure. There will be a bonus for early completion and penalties for delays.
In early 2017 the MTA hosted 4 public workshops in Manhattan and Brooklyn, where 550 participants interacted directly with representatives from NYCDOT, MTA, and NYC Small Business Services, addressing different concerns regarding transportation, business, community, and accessibility, as well as alternative transit and street designs preferences.
Currently, the MTA & DOT are considering a number of options to handle the loss of this major transit artery.
Some of the bold plans that were discussed in the workshop include:
1. Adding increased subway services for alternative subway routes
2. Building a series of new dedicated bike, bus, and HOV lanes for intercity travel
3. Adding an intermodal bus & ferry service.
4. Adjusting bus services to handle anticipated changes in ridership needs.
The MTA has been proactively communicating details of the planning process as the shutdown gets closer through multiple mediums. On the MTA's website is a listing of community engagement events, post-construction improvements, FAQ, and more.
