L Train Shutdown Could Be Shorter Than Expected: MTA

BUSHWICK, BROOKLYN — The looming L train shutdown could last only 15 months, instead of the planned 18, according to the MTA.

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority announced the updated timeline on Friday, saying in a statement that the extensive repairs coming to the line in 2019 could be finished in 15 months.

The MTA is looking to award an expedited contract to two firms who will jointly repair the Canarsie Tunnel, and who'll get a an extra $15 million if they finish the work in 15 months. The MTA will seek approval of the new timeline at a committee meeting on Monday, according to a statement from the agency.

"The heavy damage sustained by the Canarsie Tunnel during Superstorm Sandy requires a full reconstruction in order to ensure the integrity of the tunnel and the safety of riders for generations to come," Ronnie Hakim, the MTA's Interim Executive Director, said in the statement. "At the same time, we promised to do everything possible to mitigate the impact of this vital work on l line riders, and today, we’ve done just that, by shortening the tunnel closure from 18 months to 15 months."

Committee members on Monday will decide whether to approve a $477 million contract to two firms, Judlau Contracting Inc. and TC Electric, according to the MTA. The extra $15 million incentive for completing the project early would bring the total cost to $492 million.

The repairs to the L train tunnel, which are scheduled to begin in April 2019, will cause the L train only to run in Brooklyn up to the Bedford Avenue stop. There will be no L train service in Manhattan or between Manhattan and Brooklyn during the repairs.

Photo via Patch.