Congressman Crowley, NYC Councilman Dromm, NYC Transit Authority President Andy Byford, MTA Announce Millions of Dollars in Long-Awaited Repairs to the 7-Line Train
(Queens, NY) – Today, Congressman Joe Crowley (D-Queens, the Bronx), Chairman of the House Democratic Caucus, was joined by NYC Transit Authority President Andy Byford, and NYC Councilman Daniel Dromm (D-Elmhurst, Jackson Heights) to announce a $45 million contract to begin the comprehensive repair and re-painting of the elevated 7-line train.
For years, Congressman Crowley, local officials, and Queens families have demanded much-needed repairs to the 101-year-old train line, particularly to remediate lead paint peeling from the tracks. Last month, Congressman Crowley secured a firm commitment from the MTA to comprehensively repair the 7-line on an expedited timeline. The project is expected to begin in July.
As part of his Better Deal for Queens and the Bronx plan, Congressman Crowley pledged to work with the MTA to address the lead paint associated with the 7-line and make any repairs necessary to ensure the train runs as efficiently as possible. Congressman Crowley was able to fulfill this goal in collaboration with New York City Councilmen Dromm and Francisco Moya (D-East Elmhurst, Elmhurst, Jackson Heights, and Corona), additional members of the New York City Council, New York State Assembly, and New York State Senate representing Queens, Queens Borough President Melinda Katz, Members of Community Boards 3 and 4, the District Council 9 International Union of Painters and Allied Trades, and families and community leaders residing in the borough.
“This is an important moment for Queens residents, like myself, who have been dismayed by the quality of subway service in our borough,” said Congressman Crowley. “Throughout my life, I have relied on the 7-line to travel across the city, and today, we are embarking on an exciting new era for public transportation in Queens. I deeply appreciate President Byford taking the time to join us today and for working swiftly with his team to begin the process of repairing and re-painting the 7-line. This project will not only bring improved service to Queens, but will also remediate lead paint associated with the train line.”
“Finally the #7 train is getting re-painted,” said NYC Councilman Daniel Dromm. “This is welcome news for the thousands of people who live near the #7-line trestle and ride the train daily. For many years, I have worked diligently to hold the MTA accountable for the deteriorated condition of the #7-line trestle. I rallied with local residents and business owners last year to announce a lawsuit to force the MTA to repaint the trestle. Together we will carefully monitor the progress of this project and will make every effort to ensure that it stays on track. I am pleased to work alongside Congressman Crowley to move this important issue forward.”
“These efforts to repaint and repair the 7 line are a long time in the making,” said NYC Councilman Francisco Moya. “I’m proud to have worked with the residents of Queens, the District Council 9 International Union of Painters and Allied Trades, the MTA and my colleagues to shine a light on the poor conditions of its aging infrastructure affecting our community and to know those conditions have reached the end of their line.”
“The Subway Action Plan is aggressively focusing on improving service by attacking the root causes of delays, and the Fast Forward Plan is a long-term blueprint to modernize our transit system. Structural improvement work like this is critical to good service, and we appreciate Congressman Crowley and his colleagues in elected office for supporting our efforts,” said MTA Managing Director Veronique Hakim.
“This critical painting and structural repair work will improve the commuting experience for our riders in the near-term, as well as help ensure the long-term safety and reliability of our system,” said NYC Transit President Andy Byford. “We thank Congressman Crowley and the rest of the local community for their support while we perform these important repairs.”
“For many residents of Corona, Jackson Heights and Elmhurst, the 7-line is vital to our day-to-day lives,” said New York State Assemblywoman Aridia Espinal (D-Jackson Heights, Elmhurst). “I applaud Congressman Crowley’s leadership in the effort to repaint and repair the 7-line, and look forward to continuing to work with the MTA, District Council 9 International Union of Painters and Allied Trades, members of the community, and my elected colleagues to improve the subway we all rely on.”
“We are very happy to hear the number 7 line infrastructure is finally going to be painted, it has been a very long wait,” said Giovanna A. Reid, Community Board 3 District Manager. “CB 3 thanks all of our elected officials for bringing this project to fruition.”
The highly anticipated repairs to the 7-Line were originally outlined by Congressman Crowley and the MTA last month. A few weeks prior to that announcement, MTA Chairman Joseph Lhota joined Chairman Crowley and NYC Councilmen Dromm, Moya, and Jimmy Van Bramer (D-NY) on a tour of the 7-line tracks in Jackson Heights.
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