L-Train shutdown to put increased burden on the Williamsburg Bridge

November 27, 2018 By Raanan Geberer Brooklyn Daily Eagle

Eagle file photo by Lore Croghan

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North Brooklyn residents have already begun counting down to April, when the L train will cease running between Manhattan and Brooklyn for approximately 15 months.

When that happens, the Williamsburg Bridge, is expected to take up much, if not most, of the burden, according to The New York Times. Approximately 72,000 L-train riders are expected to switch to the J, M and Z trains, which go over the bridge. Another 38,000 L riders are expected to ride the new L1, L2, L3 and L4 buses, which will also use the bridge.

Finally, cycling on the bridge’s two-way bike path, which already sees 7,300 trips a day, is expected to double and possibly triple, the Times said.

To make room for all these commuters, city officials are creating new bus and protected bike lanes near the approaches to the bridge in both Brooklyn and Manhattan. This is expected to produce a “spillover effect,” with traffic jams on both sides of the bridge and increased air pollution, the Times reported.

However, experts believe that the Williamsburg Bridge, which was built in 1903, is up to the challenge. They point out that it was originally built to fulfill a similar role — to divert excess traffic from the higher-profile Brooklyn Bridge.