Your Thursday morning rundown for NYC subway riders. The MTA has published the service-change plan for the upcoming weekend of April 25-26, and a few of the changes are the kind you want to know about before you’re standing on a platform wondering why your train isn’t coming. Here’s what’s happening on the lines, organized so you can find your commute fast.
What Lines Are Affected This Weekend
- N and Q trains: Not running between Queensboro Plaza and Times Sq-42 St from late Friday night (around 11:45 p.m.) through early Monday morning. Trains are splitting into two sections — one running between Astoria-Ditmars Blvd and Queensboro Plaza, and the other between Coney Island-Stillwell Av and Times Sq-42 St. Track replacement is the reason.
- 7 train: Running via the Roosevelt Island alignment between 36 St and 57 St-7 Av in both directions all day Saturday and Sunday. Expect added travel time and be ready for the rerouted path through Queens.
- L train: Running between W 4 St-Wash Sq and Jay St-MetroTech on segments of the weekend — good news for Brooklyn-Manhattan riders who rely on the L for that crosstown-plus-river hop.
Thursday and Friday Daytime
Weekday service is running close to normal on most lines, but the MTA’s rolling track work and signal modernization projects mean random short delays are possible on the A, C, and F lines around midday. If you’re heading to JFK on the E, build in a buffer — recent weeks have seen intermittent slowdowns near the airport terminals, and that trend looks likely to continue into the weekend rush.
Queens and Astoria Riders: Plan Ahead
The N/Q split is the big one. If you normally ride from Astoria into Manhattan, your Saturday and Sunday trip will require a transfer at Queensboro Plaza to the 7, or a switch to local bus service. Allow an extra 20-30 minutes. The W train is running its standard pattern, which can help as a fallback on some segments.
Brooklyn and Manhattan Crossings
With the 7 running via Roosevelt Island, Flushing-bound riders should expect the train to skip its usual Queens alignment and add a few minutes. If you’re going to Citi Field or the USTA center this weekend, check real-time service before you leave. The L train’s Brooklyn-Manhattan segment is working as a useful alternative for some cross-river trips.
Bottom Line
Weekend warriors, this is a plan-ahead weekend. If you’re heading into Midtown from Astoria, expect an extra leg. If you’re on the 7, expect a scenic detour. If you’re on the L into Brooklyn, you’re in reasonably good shape. Check the MTA alerts page Friday evening for any last-minute additions or weather-related adjustments.
For the official weekend service map and real-time alerts, visit mta.info/alerts. Service changes are subject to updates.
