Dozens of potential G train disruptions spark outrage from Brooklyn officials
New York City residents and leaders are speaking out about the negative impacts of planned closures and disruptions on the MTA's G train line.
It is the only subway line that serves Greenpoint, Brooklyn, so the news is not sitting well in that community.
The pain continues in Greenpoint
The MTA is planning numerous weekend closures and more than two dozen overnight shutdowns this year, according to Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso. That's on top of the many weekend and evening disruptions over the last few months and the partial suspension of service during the summer of 2024.
Brooklyn leaders said Tuesday the transit agency told them last week it is considering another round of service suspensions to finish installing communications-based train control, or CBTC.
"They told us two years ago it would be done. Then last year, we had more closures and this year we have even more closures," Reynoso said.
"They've announced 10 more weekend closures through the end of this year, which would get us up to 19 weekend closures overall in 2026. That's nearly 40% of weekends without G train service," Brooklyn City Councilman Lincoln Restler said.
The MTA is acknowledging more work needs to be done, but would not confirm details on closures. It only said that they are still being finalized. However, CBS News New York learned one of the biggest reasons for the added work is what crews found inside the tunnel connecting Brooklyn and Queens.
"It turns out that tunnel under Newtown Creek, between Greenpoint and Long Island City needs a lot more work than originally thought. That is the reason why we are having to do extra weekend shutdowns," MTA Chairman and CEO Janno Lieber said.
Currently, the MTA only has service changes from now until May 8 posted on its website. A spokesperson said the agency only posts outages when they are confirmed.
For now, talks between the MTA and local leaders are continuing.
Local business owners are fearing the worst
Business owners told CBS News New York they understand the need for upgrades, but if the disruptions resemble anything like what they've experienced the last couple of summers, they worry foot traffic could be significantly reduced.
"It means if there's regulars that don't live in the immediate neighborhood, they'll have a harder time getting here. There's less time for new guests to make new impressions," one restaurant manager said.
"It's the only connection to outside of their area. Yet we have Williamsburg down three blocks and the G train is the only way for people to get from their homes here to Manhattan with the 7," added Ramiro Castellanos, who works in Greenpoint.
"These shutdowns impact social connections, weekend work shifts, and our wallets. They punish people for choosing to live in Greenpoint," Assemblywoman Emily Gallagher wrote on X.
