NYC Upgrades Infrastructure Across Eight Lines
Eight subway lines face service changes March 20-23 for signal and accessibility work
MTA Cuts Service on 8 Lines March 20-23
New York City subway riders face widespread service changes across eight lines the weekend of March 20-23, 2026, the MTA announced. The disruptions affect routes to JFK Airport, the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Queens, with shuttle buses replacing train service on multiple segments. Long Island Rail Road passengers will also encounter modified schedules and station skips during the four-day period.
Infrastructure Work Drives Weekend Changes
The service modifications stem from signal modernization and accessibility improvement projects, according to the transit agency. The F train reroute via Roosevelt Island between 36 St and 57 St-7 Av reflects ongoing signal upgrade work, while LIRR station skips at Forest Hills, Kew Gardens, and Woodside support accessibility enhancements. Transit agencies typically schedule major infrastructure work during weekends to minimize weekday commuter impact, though officials didn't specify completion timelines for these projects.
Airport Access and Multiple Line Suspensions
Travelers heading to JFK Airport can't use trains to Sutphin Blvd-Archer Av-JFK Airport and must use Howard Beach-JFK Airport or alternative routes instead. The 2 and 5 trains won't run between E 180 St and 149 St-Grand Concourse in the Bronx, while G train service is suspended between Court Sq and Bedford-Nostrand Avs. J train service is cut between Jamaica Center-Parsons/Archer and Crescent St, with the E train recommended as an alternative. The N, Q, and R trains face disruptions across multiple stations in three boroughs, though officials didn't specify which stations or the exact nature of each disruption.
Shuttle Buses Replace Train Service
The MTA is deploying free shuttle buses on affected routes, with B98 buses serving G train riders and J90 buses covering J train segments. Long Island Rail Road passengers can use shuttle buses operating in two zones to reach Port Jefferson Branch destinations between Huntington and Port Jefferson. The Transit Museum is running a nostalgia ride with vintage Redbird cars for the Mets home opener during the weekend, though officials didn't provide specific departure times or ticketing information for the special service.
Riders Should Plan Extra Travel Time
Passengers should expect longer trips and allow extra time for shuttle bus transfers and rerouted service, transit officials said. The agency didn't specify whether the changes will extend beyond March 23 or if additional weekend work is planned for coming months. Riders can check Moovit for real-time updates on affected routes and alternative travel options during the service changes.
