NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) – Service on the Broadway R subway line has been extended to Whitehall Street in lower Manhattan.

Service began Monday at 6 a.m. It’s the first time the train is operating south of 34th Street since Superstorm Sandy.

1010 WINS’ John Montone reports

“The resumption of service to the Whitehall Street station will restore a vital link to midtown’s west side for Staten Islanders and also ease crowding along the Lexington Avenue Line,” Gov. Andrew Cuomo said in a statement.

MTA Chairman and CEO Joseph Lhota said crews are working around the clock to bring the Montague Tube back online, which links the R line from lower Manhattan and downtown Brooklyn.

Service to Brooklyn is expected to be restored by late December.