1, 2, and 3 lines will get hit with major disruptions over the next six weekends

The MTA is preparing an extensive upgrade to track switches on the 1, 2, and 3 lines at and north of 96 Street, which will cause significant weekend service changes for the rest of the summer. The work will be done in three phases over the next six weekends, with reduced service expected throughout the Upper West Side. During the final two weekends of repair work in August, there will be a full suspension of service at all 1, 2, 3 stations between Harlem and Downtown Brooklyn. “We scheduled the work for these summer weekends when our ridership has been historically low,” the MTA said.

The switches on the 1, 2, 3 tracks haven’t been replaced since 1990. “This intense work requires us to completely remove the switches and surrounding track, pour new concrete, and install new track along with the new switches,” the MTA explained. “Once replaced, the new, modern switches will help us run more reliable service.”

Phase one will impact the weekend of July 19 and July 26. During this time, 1 trains will run in two sections, between Van Cortlandt Park-242 Street and 137 Street and between Harlem 148 Street and South Ferry, skipping 145 Street. 2 trains will run normally and 3 service will be suspended. Straphangers can look to the 4 train for alternate service, and free shuttle buses will also be available.

Phase two will take place during the weekends of August 2 and August 9. This time, 1 trains will be operating normally, while 2 trains will run between Flatbush Avenue and 96 Street only, and 3 trains will continue to be suspended.

The final and most disruptive phase will happen on the weekends of August 16 and August 23. 1 trains won’t be running below 137 Street, the 2 will run between Wakefield-241 Street and Flatbush Avenue, but on the Lexington Avenue express, and 3 trains will continue to be suspended entirely. For alternate service, there will be extended 4 and 5 service, overnight Times Square/Grand Central shuttle train, and free shuttle buses. D trains will make local stops between 145 Street and 59 Street-Columbus Circle, and M trains will be rerouted to the west side up to 145 Street as a supplement for the C.

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