The Hoboken PATH station will shut down from 11:59 p.m. Aug. 28, through 5 a.m. Sept. 2, as crews complete long-term repairs to a malfunctioning interlocking system that directs trains onto different tracks and platforms, the Port Authority said.
The final trains before the closure, an 11:40 p.m. 33rd Street-bound train and an 11:38 p.m. Journal Square-bound train, will arrive at Hoboken just before midnight on Aug. 28.
The interlocking, installed during a month-long station closure in February, has experienced mechanical failures in recent weeks due to design flaws, officials said. Emergency fixes partially restored service at slower speeds, but the Port Authority said full repairs are necessary to restore reliability and peak-hour frequency.
The equipment, a custom-built component unique to Hoboken’s station, sits in a tight curve within narrow tunnel walls, complicating both its design and repairs. Replacement parts were fabricated by the manufacturer and will be installed and tested over the holiday weekend.
“The Port Authority deeply regrets the inconvenience,” the agency said in a statement, adding that the manufacturer or contractor responsible for the failures will be held accountable. The interlocking replaced a 35-year-old crossover slip switch meant to improve flexibility and reliability at the station.
To ease travel disruptions, PATH announced several alternatives:
Ferries: New York Waterway will cross-honor PATH customers with a special $3 ticket from the Hoboken terminal and the 14th Street terminal, with added service to West 39th Street in Midtown Manhattan. Extra ferries will run during rush hours Friday, Aug. 29, and during daytime hours through Labor Day.
Shuttle buses: Free buses will connect riders from Hoboken to Newport and Exchange Place PATH stations.
Supplemental PATH service: On Aug. 29, direct 33rd Street–World Trade Center trains will operate, along with normal Newark–WTC and Journal Square–33rd Street service. From Aug. 30 through Labor Day, Journal Square–33rd Street trains will run every 10 minutes, with Newark–WTC service every 20 minutes.
NJ Transit cross-honoring: Riders can use PATH fare cards on NJ Transit trains between Hoboken, Secaucus, New York Penn Station and Newark Penn Station.
Hudson-Bergen Light Rail: PATH customers can ride free between Hoboken, Newport and Exchange Place.
The Port Authority said it chose Labor Day weekend because of historically lower ridership, though passengers should expect crowding.
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Hoboken PATH station closure to last for several days for repairs