City Announces Plans To Help Ease L Train Shutdown Disruption In 2019

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- The New York City Department of Transportation has come up with a plan to deal with commuting disruptions when the L train tunnel shuts down for repairs in 2019.

The Canarsie Tunnel will close for 15 months to repair damage caused by Superstorm Sandy five years ago.

WEB EXTRA: MTA & DOT's Full Breakdown Of Canarsie Repair Plans

The closure starts in April of 2019. The DOT also says 14th Street between Third and Ninth Avenues will be closed to cars and be turned into a busway during rush hours.

As CBS2's Valerie Castro reported, the bus alternative isn't sitting well with straphangers.

"That's awful. That's going to be really awful especially in the col. It's going to be really, waiting outside for buses," Joe Pomarico said.

"I understand the tracks and subway need to be maintained, but there's gotta be another way to do it," Shain Anderson said.

"I'd rather not. I really hate taking a bus," Asia Behlam added.

New bike lanes will be added to 13th street, along with HOV lanes on the Williamsburg Bridge.

"A lot of bicycles don't pay attention anyway, so it's not. You have to look both ways anyway, even on a one way street," Richard Flynn said.

MTA Chairman Joe Lhota said the proposal is meant to address a wide range of concerns.

"Looking at everything we heard from the community and being able to respond to those community needs," Lhota said.

There will also be increased service on other subway lines and more ferries available when repairs begin.