Dec. 2, 2013 By Christian Murray
The screeching sounds that have been emanating from the Astoria-Ditmars Boulevard train station are expected to be coming to an end.
Subway riders and nearby business owners have been subjected to loud breaking noises at that station since 2012, caused by conductors bringing the trains to a halt by applying an air brake. The use of the air brake is necessary– since the stop is at the end of the N and Q lines.
Councilman Peter Vallone Jr. said that he called on the MTA to fix the problem in 2012—a noise which he ranks as being around the same level as a jackhammer.
The MTA responded, Vallone said, and will be installing “noise dampers” on all the cars on the N and Q lines. This technology, he said, is expected to reduce the noise level produced by the air brakes at the station.
Vallone expects the dampers to be added within the next six months.
