Astoria N Train Will Shut Down Over 8 Weekends This Summer, MTA Says

ASTORIA, QUEENS — The N train service through Astoria will be suspended over several weekends between May and September for repairs, the MTA said.

The $12.4 million project, which will suspend service between 12 a.m. Saturday and 5 a.m. Monday on designated weekends, includes the replacement of switches, track panels and girders along the elevated tracks south of Astoria-Ditmars Boulevard station, the MTA said.

The MTA's acting president Darryl Irick said the suspensions are scheduled "during periods of light ridership in order to minimize the impact to customers."

A shuttle bus will replace the N train between Astoria-Ditmars Blvd. and Queensboro Plaza, making stops at all stations affected by the suspension, according to the MTA.

The project aims to reduce delays and noise levels around the N line, which runs along 31st Street through several residential areas and past P.S. 85, the MTA said.

"For the entire school community at P.S. 85, this is a sigh of relief. Elementary school children should not have to bear the burden of repeated interruptions while engaging in the learning process," said Council Member Costa Constantinides.

"Their focus should be directed exclusively towards their work, teachers and peers, not the constant bustle of a rumbling train."

Below is the list of weekends when the N line will be suspended.

• May from 20-22
• Memorial Day weekend, May 27-30 (until Tuesday 5 a.m.)
• June 3-5
• August 12-14
• August 19-21
• August 26-28
• Labor Day weekend, September 2-5 (until Tuesday 5 a.m.)
• September 9-11

Lead image via Gary Burke/Flickr