The first weekday rush hour of 2016 got off to a slow start on the 7 line Monday morning.
Track troubles near the Hunters Point Avenue station in Long Island City forced the MTA to suspend 7 train service between Queensboro Plaza and 34th Street-Hudson Yards. This caused delays on the rest of the line back to Main Street-Flushing.
As of 9:10 a.m., according to the MTA’s website, 7 train service was restored again throughout the line, but with extensive delays. Manhattan-bound 7 train express service between Mets-Willets Point and Queensboro Plaza remains suspended.
Customers were advised to transfer to the E, F, M or R trains at 74th Street, or the N or Q trains at Queensboro Plaza, for alternate service to Manhattan.
Queens commuters know the 7 line has had its share of issues in recent years, and the MTA has worked extensively to upgrade its tracks and signals. The authority is also installing Communications-Based Train Control (CBTC), a state-of-the-art system designed to allow for more efficient and timely operation.
These upgrades forced the MTA to suspend service repeatedly on nights and weekends last year, and the authority has scheduled eight more weekend shutdowns for repairs this year. The first service disruption is scheduled for Jan. 22-25, weather permitting.
