5 Train Express Service Suspended For 18 Months
Now it is time to start the process of catching up with some recent news. If you have been following this blog, especially the “Service Diversions” page, one major diversion posted often was the lack of Bronx express service on the 
. The service which operated during rush hour only was suspended often due to East 180th Street Signal Modernization Project.
8 days ago, MTA New York City Transit announced that due to initial part of the project & a new one starting on March 27th, Bronx express service on the will be suspended for 18 months. Here are the complete details courtesy of a press release they sent me:
MTA NYC Transit announces that beginning Saturday, March 27 and continuing for 18 months through August 2011, there will be no weekday rush hour 5 express service between East 180th Street and 3rd Avenue-149th Street in either direction. 5 trains will make all 2 local stops. Currently, 5 trains run express in the peak direction during morning (southbound) and afternoon (northbound) rush hours between East 180th Street and 3rd Avenue-149th Street. It is anticipated that this service change will add about five minutes to customers’ trips.
This service change is necessary in order to support two projects on the Bronx 25 lines. The ongoing $280 million East 180th Street signal modernization project entails the installation of new signal equipment on the White Plains Road line between East 180th Street and Bronx Park East Stations. This project began in 2008 and is scheduled for completion in 2012.
The second project, beginning on March 27, is the East 180th Street station rehabilitation. The work will include complete replacement of the canopy roof, track beds, platforms and platform edge safety tiles, and other station amenities.
During the course of these projects, switches and tracks will be out of service for various lengths of time. Having both the 2 and 5 trains run local allows us to provide consistent subway service throughout the duration of these two projects. This work will also result in some weekend service changes. MTA NYC Transit regrets any inconvenience to our customers. Bronx riders are encouraged to look for signs in stations and listen for announcements. In addition, customers may call our Travel Information Center at 718-330-1234 from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily, or check diversion information at www.mta.info (click on Planned Changes).
xoxo Transit Blogger
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[…] hour period due to express service being suspended. As I noted in March, express service was to be suspended for 18 months due to the rehabilitation of the 180th St station & the $280 million East 180th Street signal […]