The MTA is launching its largest subway signal replacement project ever on the A and C lines in Brooklyn and Queens. This major infrastructure upgrade aims to improve service for all passengers by replacing the oldest subway signal equipment with a modern computerized train control system spanning 23 stations between Ozone Park-Lefferts Boulevard and High Street.
The A line is the longest in the system and serves roughly 750,000 New Yorkers every day.
“Signal issues are the number one cause of subway delays—no surprise considering the ancient relics we’ve been using to direct train traffic,” said MTA Chair/CEO Janno Lieber. “Thanks to this almost $2 billion project—the largest of its kind in MTA history—we are going to be able to run more A and C trains faster, safer, and more reliably than ever before.”
The existing signal system divides tracks into fixed sections and identifies if a train occupies each section or not. This new computerized system provides a precise picture of train locations and speeds, allowing trains to safely operate close together. This also allows for easier maintenance as the train station’s old equipment no longer gets commercially manufactured, causing maintenance to be difficult and expensive.
This upgraded system will allow for a faster, more frequent, and more reliable subway service along the corridor. This signal modernization project will cost $1.9 billion dollars and be funded through congestion pricing revenue.
Modern computerized signals currently operate across the full 7 and L lines, along with some of the E, F, M, and R routes on Queens Boulevard and Culver lines. This signal modernization project will increase the on-time performance of these lines from 68% to 91%, with all train speeds increasing by 10% with this modern signal project.
This project is planned to last six years, starting next month. MTA officials say work will begin on November 7th, a few days after the upcoming elections; this work is scheduled to last nine days. The work will affect three stations, and computers will be given replacement shuttle bus service.
