As you may very well already know, the L train is going to be closing soon.
Understandably, New Yorkers have been freaking out over the impending closure - so much so that there have been plenty of proposals to L train alternatives - including an East River skyway.
The timeline for the L train closure is very murky. The current plan is not for a full closure, but rather that one line of the track be kept open, traveling between Manhattan and Brooklyn but only with 20% normal service.
If the MTA were to proceed with this partial closure construction would take approximately three years.
However, if the the MTA went for a full closure of the L line, construction would only take about 18 months.
Many have come forth in favor of a full closure of the L line, despite the MTA leaning towards the partial closure route.
With a full closure, and even a partial closure, will come an increase in bus service between Manhattan and Brooklyn.
The B39, M14A, and M14D buses will have increased services to accommodate for the upcoming train closure.
The increased bus service will prevent massive overcrowding on the M and J train lines during the L train closure.
However, this still leaves the problem of overcrowding in bus terminals and stops now that a greater population of commuters will be taking the bus instead of the train.
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At a recent meeting between Community Board 3 and the MTA it was proposed that the site of the upcoming underground park, the Lowline, could be used as a transportation hub during the L train closure.
The site, located below Delancey Street, is being reviewed as a possible way to help increase bus service between Williamsburg and the Lower East Side.
One person who's not happy about this proposal: cofounder of the Lowline, Dan Barasch.
Barasch claims that it would not be feasibly possible for the site to be converted into a transportation hub, and that it would be a shame to take away the creativity of the proposed park in favor of making the site a parking lot.
However, nothing is set in stone just yet. The MTA will be considering all proposed options for alleviating the pressure of the closure throughout the next month and will be reaching a decision in August.
Thankfully the official L train closure doesn't begin until 2019. This is one date that we actually hope gets delayed.
Check out 9 Things Right Off the L Train That New Yorkers Will Miss Most.
[via Curbed] [Feature Image Courtesy Instagram]