The J and M trains might run less frequently on the weekends for the next two years

The good news: the Williamsburg Bridge will finally be undergoing the structural fixes that it so desperately needs. 

The bad news: said restorations will impact the J and M train services, effectively forcing them to shut down during a total of 25 weekends throughout 2023 and 2024. 

Also to note: although the changes were made explicit in contract documents that were made public, Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) spokesperson Aaron Donovan told Gothamist that nothing is set in stone yet and that the "suggested schedule [proposes] two weekend-long closures of the J and M trains each month from May through October 2023, and from April through September 2024."

Department of Transportation (DOT) spokesperson Tomas Garita also told the outlet that bike riders and pedestrians should not be worried about the impact of the restoration project on their own activities as such changes are "not anticipated." According to official documents, though, both the pedestrian and bike paths might close down on nights and weekends throughout 2023 and 2024 in an effort to complete the planned renovations.

As of now, the updates are expected to wrap up by mid-2025—which sounds like a very long time from now considering the major affects that the work will undoubtedly have over the daily lives of commuters.

Alas, it is what it is. We complain about poor infrastructure yet also refuse to endure inconveniences aimed at bettering said systems. Yes, we are New Yorkers and we love to be critical of everything and everyone—but is it really too much to ask to have properly, timely functioning subway and bridge service all year round? Apparently, it is.