New York City Transit (NYC Transit) in the US has awarded a $45m contract to carry out important structural steel repair work, as well as overcoat painting, along a section of the elevated 7 train line.

The repair works will be carried out from 72nd to 104th Streets in Queens.

NYC Transit president Andy Byford said: “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.”

“The 7 line is a lifeline for commuters in Queens, but its underlying infrastructure is in need of long overdue repairs.”

The scope of the project includes the removal of dirt, grease and grime from the elevated rail structure, which will be followed by painting of all structural steel surfaces.

Regular inspections will also be carried out on the maintenance works.

Besides the painting of the structure, other infrastructure of the Flushing Line will be rehabilitated, cleaned and painted, including the cleaning of selected communication rooms, signal towers and circuit breaker houses.

Furthermore, the structural steel beams and concrete column bases on the structure will be repaired.

All these work will be completed by Ahern Painting Contractors.

Congressman Joseph Crowley said: “The 7 line is a lifeline for commuters in Queens, but its underlying infrastructure is in need of long overdue repairs.”

NYC Transit will notify the commuters and local communities who will be affected by these construction work with the specifics. It would also take various initiatives to reduce the impact of this maintenance work on regular commuters.

The project, funded by the Federal Transit Administration, is expected to be completed in two years.