Manhattan Bridge - 5 Years Later (A Look Back)

Manhattan Bridge – Five Years Later

Everyone should know that today marks the five year anniversary of the reopening of the north subway tracks on the Manhattan Bridge (Manny B for short) On February 22nd, 2004; the subway tracks on the Manhattan Bridge were finally rehabilitated. Back in 1986, the Manhattan Bridge was in terrible shape. The years of deferred maintenance caught up. It was decided to begin closing the north subway tracks.

As a result of the 1986 changes, the Manhattan Bridge would see years of ongoing construction. Before the Manhattan Bridge was rehabilitated, the movement of subway trains would cause the bridge to sway. For a brief time in 1990, all four tracks were in use. Fast forward to 2001. The north side would be closed. The south side would reopen as a result. This allowed work to continue to the north subway tracks. Then in 2004, the north side reopened.

The service changes that went into effect are as follows:

(B) 6th Avenue-Brighton Express: Bedford Park Boulevard, Bronx or 145th Street, Manhattan to Brighton Beach, Brooklyn (All times except late nights and weekends)
(D) 6th Avenue-West End Express: Norwood-205th Street, Bronx to Coney Island-Stillwell Avenue, Brooklyn (All Times/Local in Brooklyn during late nights)
(M) Nassau Street Local: Middle Village-Metropolitan Avenue, Queens to Bay Parkway, Brooklyn (Rush Hours Only), Middle Village-Metropolitan Avenue, Queens to Chambers Street, Manhattan (Mid Days Only), & Middle Village-Metropolitan Avenue, Queens to Myrtle Avenue-Broadway, Brooklyn (Evenings, Late Nights, and Weekends)
(N) Broadway Express-Sea Beach Express: Astoria-Ditmars Boulevard, Queens to Gravesend-86th Street, Brooklyn via Bridge and Broadway Express, Weekends via Bridge and Broadway Local, Late Nights via Tunnel and 4th Avenue/Broadway Local
(Q) Broadway Express-Brighton Local: Midtown-57th Street/7th Avenue, Manhattan to Coney Island Stillwell Avenue, Brooklyn (All Times)
Broadway Express-Brighton Express: Discontinued – Replaced by (B) in Brooklyn and (N) in Manhattan
(R) Broadway Local: Forest Hills-71st/Continential Avenue, Queens to Bay Ridge-95th Street, Brooklyn (All Times except Late Nights), Late Nights from 36th Street to Bay Ridge-95th Street, Brooklyn
(S) Grand Street Shuttle: Replaced by the (B) and (D)

Hope you enjoyed looking back on what was then a monumental moment in New York City Subway history. Feel free to comment on your thoughts of what transpired just five years ago.

The Taking of Pelham 123 (2009) Trailer

I must say, I am impressed with this movie. If you haven't seen the original 1974 version, I suggest you do. Just stay away from the boring, crappy 1998 version.

Nova LFSA Now In The Bronx

The MTA is testing a new type of articulated. Back in 2004, the MTA had a fall out with New Flyer. This stems from New Flyer not wanting to finish the 2003-2004 D60HF order. New Flyer discontinued the D60HF in 2004. For the past few weeks the MTA has been testing a Nova LFSA on the M15. Now its being transferred to operate on the Bx12.

Credit goes to TTMG Teamster Dominick Bermudez for the photo below:

Free Transfer at 45th Road-Court House Square & Court Square

Everyone should know by now that a transfer does exist at 45th Road-Court House Square and Court Square/23rd Street-Ely Avenue stations. Well what most people don't know that you need a valid transfer on your Metrocard to do so. As of November 2008, the MTA is going to make things simpler. Instead of the transfer being Out-Of-System (or OOS for short), there building a free transfer. You heard that right a free transfer.

As a result of this, westbound Q39 buses could no longer turn on 45th Road between Jackson Avenue and 23rd Street. The OOS transfer was implemented as a result of the December 16th, 2001 service changes and the opening of the CitiCorp Building. From my personal experience and observation, this transfer could potentially reduce the need to transfer at 74th-Broadway/Roosevelt Avenue complex. Below are five photos that I took on the evening of November 25th, 2008.

Bleecker Street-Broadway Lafayette Rehab Update #1

As every rider along the number 6 line, they often wonder why there isn't a connection from the uptown Bleecker Street station to the Broadway-Lafayette Street station. Your prayers have been answered. On January 27th, 2009, the MTA finally began making the connection. Right now, the south entrance on Bleecker and Mulberry Streets will be closed until March 27th, 2009. From my observations, the northbound platform will be extended southward to facilitate the connection to Broadway-Lafayette.