Effed-Up Commutes in F, G Train Riders' Future

Photograph of the 4th Avenue subway platform by forklift on Flickr

F—and G—train riders, brace yourself in 2011. The Daily News reports that the MTA board is "expected to award a $179 million contract to rebuild the Culver Viaduct, a crumbling concrete and steel structure above local streets and the Gowanus Canal in Brooklyn’s Carroll Gardens" today. What does this mean? Well, lots of service disruptions—and shuttle buses!—starting in 2011.

The much-needed renovation will affect the Smith-9th Sts. and 4th Ave.-9th St. stops.
The News described what's ahead:

for about four months in the beginning of 2011, F trains will skip Smith-9th Sts and only northbound G service will be available there. Starting around the summer of that year, the station will be completely closed - for about nine months, according to the agency.

During one period of the project, only northbound trains will be stopping at 15th St.-Prospect Park and Fort Hamilton Parkway. During another, only southbound trains will stop there.

Trains will stop at 4th Ave.-9th St. but at temporary platforms more long periods.
When the local tracks are not able to be used, trains will stop at the nearby Bergen and Carroll Sts. stations.