Hard Knock Life: J/Z Train Service Will Be Partially Suspended For Over A Week

An old panel is hooked up to crane for removal during maintenance work along the J line in 2014. Photo via MTA New York City Transit / Leonard Wiggins.

By Jonathan Sperling

It’s the hard knock life.

J and Z train riders in Jamaica and Richmond Hill will soon be without subway service for more than week due to “critical” track and switch reconstruction, the Metropolitan Transit Authority announced last week.

From 9:30 p.m. on Dec. 28 until 5 a.m. on Jan. 7, J trains will only run between between Broad Street and 121st Street in both directions at all hours. During this time, J and Z train skip-stop service will be suspended. The MTA cited “lower ridership starting later this month,” as the reason behind performing the maintenance during this time.

“This track and switch reconstruction is critical to keeping the J line in a state of good repair because service into and out of the J’s Jamaica terminal is vital to the entire line’s reliability,” said MTA New York City Transit President Andy Byford in a statement. “Once the work is complete, J customers will benefit from a smoother, more reliable ride for many years to come.”

Customers left stranded by the service disruption can utilize free shuttle buses provided by the MTA, which will make stops at the Jamaica-Van Wyck and 121st Street stations. Riders needing to go to Parsons Boulevard-Archer Avenue and Sutphin Boulevard-Archer Avenue should take the E train. AirTrain access can be had by taking a shuttle bus to Sutphin Boulevard-Archer Avenue, or the A train to Howard Beach.

Though the MTA noted that the reconstruction project was purposely scheduled to take place during many schools’ winter break periods, city public schools resume classes on Jan. 2, in the middle of the maintenance period.