The /*MTA*/ began repairs that will lead to shutdowns for 11 straight weekends, starting this weekend.
The problem is that the work that needs to be done is in the tunnel between /*Manhattan*/ and /*Queens*/. It's a confined space, and the MTA says the only way to get to it is to suspend service.
"If they do it quickly and get it done, that's going to save you a lot of hassle in the future," one rider said.
The work began at midnight Saturday and will last until 5 a.m. Monday.
It means riders on the No. 7 line won't find any trains running between /*Times Square*/ and /*Queensborough Plaza*/.
The line is being shut down so work crews can change the signal system and make repairs in the /*Steinway*/ tube under the /*East River*/. Some parts of the signal system are up to 90 years old.
The repair plan includes the full closure of the Court Square station until April 2.
Riders can still reach Manhattan by taking the N or Q train at Queensborough Plaza.
"I'm annoyed with the MTA at this point, because there's always a problem with the No. 7 train," rider Dawn Speller said. "And I live in Flushing, so you can imagine how annoying that is."
Work on the 7 line will continue beyond these 11 weekends. Service diversions facilitating signal installation, additional Steinway tube maintenance work and other work along the line are scheduled to take place in fall 2012.
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