Yisroel R.

Williamsburg residents who rely on the L train to travel between Brooklyn and Manhattan should prepare for major service disruptions over two weekends in October, as the MTA suspends service between Lorimer Street in Brooklyn and 8th Avenue in Manhattan for communications improvements.

The shutdowns are scheduled for October 2–5 and October 9–12, beginning each Friday at 11:15 p.m. and continuing through Monday at 5:00 a.m. During both weekends, there will be no L train service at Bedford Avenue, leaving Williamsburg commuters without their usual direct subway connection to Manhattan.

L trains will continue operating in Brooklyn between Canarsie–Rockaway Parkway and Lorimer Street, with trains running approximately every eight minutes during the day and evening. Lorimer Street will serve as the last stop, with passengers traveling farther into Williamsburg or Manhattan required to use alternative transportation.

To accommodate affected passengers, the MTA will provide free shuttle buses in Brooklyn, making stops at Bedford Avenue, Lorimer Street/Metropolitan Avenue, Hewes Street, and Marcy Avenue. Riders can connect to the G train at Metropolitan Avenue and the J and M trains at other designated stops.

Passengers traveling between Williamsburg and Manhattan can use the J or A trains, with transfers available at Broadway Junction. In Manhattan, free L92 shuttle buses and M14A buses will serve stops along 14th Street, connecting passengers with the F, M, and J trains at Delancey Street–Essex Street.

Residents planning to travel during either weekend are encouraged to allow additional travel time and plan alternative routes in advance. For updated service information, passengers can visit the MTA’s Planned Service Changes website or call 511.

Illustration photo: MTA/ Megan Armas