MTA Launches $1.9B Signal Overhaul on A, C Lines
The project replaces signal and track infrastructure dating back to the 1930s across 42 track miles and 23 stations from Queens into downtown Brooklyn.
Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in Telecommunications
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The MTA has begun a $1.9 billion signal and track replacement project on the A and C subway lines, funded through congestion pricing revenue. A full closure between Rockaway Boulevard and Lefferts Boulevard is scheduled from November 7 through November 16, 2026.
Why it matters
Signal failures are a leading cause of subway delays across the system, and upgraded signals control train movement to maintain safe spacing and prevent collisions. The work is expected to let trains run more efficiently and improve service reliability for New York City riders.
The $1.9 billion project covers 42 track miles and 23 stations, replacing some of the oldest signal equipment still operating in the subway system, with switches requiring demolition and track replacement that cannot be completed in one weekend. Communications-based train control has already been installed along the Eighth Avenue corridor serving the A, C and E lines.
The players
Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA)
The MTA is the public authority that operates New York City's subway, buses and commuter rail networks and oversees major capital projects such as this signal modernization.
The details
Crews are replacing signal equipment and track from Queens into downtown Brooklyn, and during the nine-day shutdown shuttle buses will replace train service between affected stations and Rockaway Boulevard. Notices for the work were posted in English, Spanish and Bengali.
Timeline
Monday night of the week of November 2, 2026: Service changes begin on portions of the A line.
Friday of the week of November 2, 2026: Overnight work continues.
November 7 through November 16, 2026: Full closure between Rockaway Boulevard and Lefferts Boulevard.
Market Landscape
The project is financed by congestion pricing revenue, tying this infrastructure work directly to the program that charges vehicles entering Manhattan's central business district. Follow-on upgrades planned for the G line and the B, D, F and M lines extend the same signal modernization approach across more of the system.
Riders on the A and C lines should plan for shuttle buses replacing train service between Rockaway Boulevard and Lefferts Boulevard from November 7 through November 16, 2026. Service changes begin on portions of the A line the Monday night of the week of November 2.
The takeaway
Signal upgrades take years to complete, so riders should expect staged service changes on the A and C lines rather than a single weekend of work. Checking MTA service alerts before traveling during the November 7 through 16 closure will help avoid delays.
What happens next
Full closure between Rockaway Boulevard and Lefferts Boulevard runs from November 7 through November 16, 2026, with shuttle buses replacing train service during that period.
Further reading
Explore more New York City Telecommunications coverage for context on how subway signaling and communications systems are being modernized.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WPIX.
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