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Read the press release here.

L Train Tunnel Repair Shutdown Timeline Could Be 3 Months Shorter

By Gwynne Hogan | March 20, 2017 7:34am
 An MTA New York City transit subway L train. Aug. 13, 2013.
An MTA New York City transit subway L train. Aug. 13, 2013.
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DNAinfo/Michael Ip

Because several board members were absent Wednesday, the MTA did not vote on the L train repair work contract and will do so at a later date.

BROOKLYN — The MTA is hoping to shave three months off the estimated 18 month-long shutdown of the L train tunnel for repairs by offering the winning contractors a $15 million bonus for speeding repairs.

If transit board members approve the request Wednesday, a $477 million contract will go to two contractors for work on the Canarsie Tunnel, which runs under the East River. They will get the extra money if they finish the work in 15 months, according to an MTA press release.

Once construction begins in early 2019, there will be no L train service between Bedford Avenue and 8th Avenue in Manhattan. The L train will continue to run between Bedford Avenue and Canarsie with near normal service.

MTA officials selected a contract proposal by Judlau Contracting Inc. and TC Electric, LLC which were involved in work on the Steinway Tunnel under the East River along the 7 train line, the 53rd Street Tunnels and the Montague Tunnel, where they finished repairs several weeks ahead of schedule, according to the MTA.

Judlau and TC's bid beat out five other proposals, according to the MTA.

Beyond fixing the Canarsie Tunnel, the contract also includes upgrades at 1st Avenue and Bedford Avenue so both stations are compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act and the construction of a new substation so the MTA can run more trains per hour.