June 12, 2018 By Tara Law
The MTA has confirmed that the 30th and 36th Avenue (N/W) subway stations will reopen on June 22, and the Broadway and 39th Avenue (N/W) stations will close for eight months starting July 2.
The $150 million overhaul of the four stations, which began with the closure of the 30th and 36th Avenue stations in October, includes structural and cosmetic repairs and improvements to the outdoor stations’ platforms and buildings.
The MTA announced previously that it would open the 30th and 36th Avenue stations in June and close the Broadway and 39th Avenue stations in July, but it did not confirm the exact dates.
Many residents have questioned whether the repairs have been worth the inconvenience of the closures. Some of the project’s harshest critics say that the overhaul involves merely “cosmetic” changes.
The MTA contends that the repairs are necessary to preserve the structural integrity of the stations, which have not undergone extensive repairs since they were opened in 1917. The work includes repair and replacement of steel beams and columns, staircases, platforms, open-air canopies and concrete, according to the MTA.
“These outdoor stations have deteriorated after more than a century of snowstorms, rain, sun, wind and daily foot traffic,” said NYC Transit President Andy Byford in a statement. “We thank our customers for their patience while we make these repairs and improvements; once these projects are done, major defects will be fixed and these stations will be in a renewed state for the local community to use for decades to come.”
The work at Broadway and and 39th Avenue will include repairs to the track and platform girders, new concrete slabs above the mezzanines, upgraded power service, new digital signage and renovated turnstile areas. A new street entrance will be installed at the Broadway station.
The station reopenings is a relief to business owners located near the 30th and 36th Avenue stations who say that revenue dropped during the outages due to a loss in foot traffic. The affected business owners warn, however, that the problems will only be passed on to Broadway and 39th Avenue restaurants and stores.
Earlier this month, Roseann McSorley of Katch Gastropub and Eatery on Newtown Avenue (by the 30th Avenue Station) warned that the businesses near Broadway and 39th Avenue need to be proactive about reaching out to the MTA and taking steps to boost their businesses.
“They’re all going to be experiencing the same thing we’ve been experiencing,” McSorley said. “They’ve got to get ahead of it.”
The MTA conducted a weekly conference call with McSorley’s organization, “30th Avenue Blind Eye” which was formed in response to the closures. During the call, the MTA has updated McSorley and other business owners about the project’s progress.
Businesses along 30th Avenue are currently organizing a restaurant week to publicize the reopening and to encourage customers to return.
About 30 bars and restaurants are expected to offer prix fixe menus, discounts and specials from June 22 to July 1.
Meanwhile, Astoria’s commuters will spot ongoing repairs to the Ditmars Boulevard and Astoria Boulevard Stations.
The Ditmars Boulevard (N/W) station is remaining open while undergoing repairs. The repairs, which began in April, are scheduled to be completed in June 2019. The Astoria Boulevard (N/W) station is also undergoing a 14-month renovation, which will include a 9-month closure.
