Sign up here to receive future project updates via email
On Monday, the project team successfully transitioned work into Line 2, right on schedule. This transition followed 10 days of final preparation focused on mitigation activities and hardening the infrastructure in Line 1, as previewed in last week’s project update.
Project activities this past week include replacing power cables, installing new block ties, waterproofing remediation, new duct bank prep, installing a separation barrier (to help ensure safe work conditions in Line 2 while service continues in Line 1), and other early construction work.
With the Line 2 long-term outage now underway, the next several weeks will involve decommissioning existing rail systems (overhead catenary and third rail power, signal, communications, etc.) and building temporary construction systems, before removing tracks and beginning other demolition activities later this summer.
Tunnel prep work in Line 1
Prep work on 32nd St.
Installation of separation barrier between Line 1 and Line 2
Block tie demolition in Line 1
As the project team continues their work, existing conditions in the tunnel reemphasize the need for this comprehensive rehabilitation project. For example, the images below display one of the existing 12,000 volt power cables that have been significantly degraded by saltwater that inundated the tunnel during Superstorm Sandy.
Existing power cable that has significantly deteriorated due to saltwater intrusion and continued exposure to the elements.