New Yorkers who rely on the J and M trains should expect major service changes this fall as the MTA prepares to suspend portions of both lines for five weekends while crews replace aging track switches in Brooklyn.
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) will begin the major weekend disruptions in October as part of a project to replace track switches north of Marcy Avenue that date back to 1997–meaning they were installed when Bill Clinton was president.
The work will significantly affect J and M train service between Brooklyn, Queens, and Manhattan, with the J train suspended between Myrtle Av-Broadway and Manhattan during the weekend shutdowns and M service split into two separate sections.
The MTA will provide free shuttle buses to help riders navigate the closures, while commuters traveling between Manhattan and Queens will have several alternative subway options.
Here’s what to know about the upcoming J and M train service changes, including the affected dates, shuttle bus routes, and the best alternatives for getting around during the fall disruptions.
When will the J and M train service changes happen?
The MTA’s work will affect riders during both weekday midday hours and five weekends this fall.
⚠️ Weekday Service Impacts: October 13 to November 20
During the week, commuters will face midday adjustments:
- The J train will run locally between Marcy Av and Myrtle Av-Broadway from 10 am to 3 pm
- Note: This change will NOT be in effect on Oct. 26 and 30
The larger service disruptions will take place over five weekends, when crews will carry out the switch replacement work.
🚨 MTA Weekend Subway Shutdowns: Oct. 17 to Nov. 23
The most severe NYC transit disruptions will happen from 3:30 am Saturday through 10 pm Sunday during the following weekends:
- Oct. 17 to 18
- Oct. 24 to 25
- Nov. 7 to 9
- Nov. 13 to 16
- Nov. 20 to 23
During these periods, the J train will only operate between Jamaica Center-Parsons/Archer and Myrtle Av-Broadway.
Service between Myrtle Av-Broadway and Manhattan will be suspended, with free shuttle buses replacing trains along the affected portion of the route.
Free shuttle buses will replace J train service
The MTA will provide free shuttle buses between Myrtle Av-Broadway in Brooklyn and Delancey St-Essex St in Manhattan while the J train is suspended.
Riders should expect additional travel time and potentially crowded conditions, particularly during busier weekend periods.
The M train will also be split into two sections
M service will operate in two separate sections during the weekend disruptions, with trains running approximately every 20 minutes:
- Middle Village-Metropolitan Av to Myrtle-Wyckoff Avs, connecting riders with the L train
- Myrtle-Wyckoff Avs to Myrtle Av-Broadway, connecting riders with the J train
Because the M will not operate as one continuous line, riders may need to transfer to continue their trips.
What trains should you take instead?
The MTA is encouraging riders traveling between Manhattan and Jamaica to use the A, C, and E trains instead of the J during the weekend shutdowns.
The L train will also continue operating normally and can be used as an alternative for some trips between Brooklyn and Manhattan.
If you’re traveling during one of the affected weekends, it’s worth checking your route before leaving home–especially if you normally rely on the J or M for a trip into Manhattan.
Why is the MTA shutting down the J and M trains?
The service changes are part of a major MTA track switch replacement project at Marcy Avenue.
The agency is replacing switches that were installed in 1997, when Bill Clinton was president, and have now reached the end of their useful life.
The switches are a critical part of the subway infrastructure, allowing trains to move between local and express tracks along the J, M, and Z lines.
The work affects a major stretch of the subway system serving neighborhoods including Williamsburg, Bushwick, Bedford-Stuyvesant, East New York, Ozone Park, and Jamaica.
While a five-weekend shutdown may be a headache for riders, the MTA says the work is necessary to replace aging infrastructure and keep the subway system running safely and reliably.
How to check for MTA service changes
If you’re riding the J or M during the construction period, check for the latest service information before heading to the station.
The MTA offers several ways to stay updated:
- mta.info — Find real-time arrival information and planned service changes.
- MTA app — Check real-time train, bus, and rail arrivals and access customer support.
- Email and text alerts — Sign up for service alerts based on your routes and travel times.
- 511 — Call 511 for MTA information. Riders who are deaf or hard of hearing can use their preferred service provider for the free 711 relay service.
With multiple weekends of disruptions ahead, checking the MTA’s latest service alerts before you leave could save you from an unexpected subway headache.
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