G Train Tunnel Closures Begin

G train riders beware: the series of 12 weekend shutdowns for the Greenpoint Tube has begun.

As announced last month, the tunnel is being closed off in order to repair damages done to the system after Superstorm Sandy struck the city. The project will take place intermittently over the span of 12 weekends in 2013.

The 12 weekend closures are not consecutive and subject to change: July 6-8; July 13-15; July 20-22; August 3-5; August 10-12; August 17-19; August 24-26; September 7-9; September 28-30; October 5-7; December 7-9; and December 14-16.

The weekend closures will run from 12:01 a.m., Saturday through 5 a.m., Monday. G trains will run between Nassau Avenue and Church Avenue only.

Three stations – Greenpoint Avenue, 21st Street, and Court Square – will be closed during these weekends. A special shuttle bus will link the closed stops with the Nassau Avenue G station (via Manhattan Avenue) and the Lorimer Street L station (via McGuinness Boulevard).

According to the MTA, “Buses will run every four minutes via Manhattan Avenue and every eight minutes via McGuinness Boulevard, for a combined service of every 2 ½-3 minutes. Most other hours, shuttle buses will run every five minutes via Manhattan Avenue and every ten minutes via McGuinness Boulevard. During midnight hours, the shuttles will run every10 minutes on both routes.”

The Greenpoint Tube connects Long Island City in Queens with the Greenpoint section of Brooklyn, and was soaked by three million gallons of corrosive salt water, causing some serious damage to the system.

Although temporary repairs were made immediately following the storm, the water had already done much more severe damage, and the tube requires extensive care in order to preserve the longevity of the system.

To stay informed, keep an eye out for special station posters, subscribe to free email and text alerts, or call 5-1-1 and say “Current Service Status.”

For online updates, visit: http://web.mta.info/nyct/service/G_GreenpointTunnelWeekendClosure.htm.