MTA plans major projects in 2016 for Flushing Line

Written by Jenifer Nunez, assistant editor
image description
New York City Transit

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has scheduled critical work in 2016 on the Flushing 7 Line between Manhattan and Queens.

 

The agency has been making capital improvements on the line over the past several years to increase the line’s capacity and reliability as ridership demand rises. Nearly every element of the line is being improved, from tracks through the replacement of entire panels of elevated tracks, to signals through the implementation of an updated communications-based train control system (CBTC), to the reconstruction and fortification of the storm-damaged Steinway Tunnel that links Queens and Manhattan.

“The growth of the Flushing Line matters greatly to the growth of Queens and these projects are critical to the future of the line,” said James Ferrara, interim president of New York City Transit (NYCT). “Replacing old tracks means a smoother, faster ride for customers and installing a modern signal system means less crowded and more reliable commutes. Improvements to any part of our infrastructure allows us to better serve all of our customers.”

The major projects on the Flushing Line include the implementation of CBTC, which is scheduled for completion in 2017. This multi-year $774-million capital improvement project replaces the existing 50- to 90-year-old signal system and allows for trains to run more reliably and frequently, increasing line capacity and preventing problems associated with old equipment. In 2015, crews continued to install new wayside equipment including signal equipment, antennas, radio units, transponders, fiber-optic distribution panels and cable, telephone cable and cable distribution boxes. Software was tested and installed for use at the 1st Avenue Interlocking; maintainer panels and cable servers were installed; new signal equipment along the track right-of-way was tested and additional signal locations were prepared for future equipment installation. Workers also installed new electrical conduits, performed circuit breaker repairs and removed old cables and signal equipment.

In 2016, contractors will continue installing and testing CBTC equipment throughout the line. Much of the work in 2016 will involve the testing of installed equipment to prepare for the system’s 2017 launch. Once completed, the new system will interface with subway cars to allow for countdown clocks, increased operational flexibility and reliability, system safety improvements and increased capacity to run more trains per hour.

NYCT also is replacing segments of tracks on elevated portions of the 7 Line that are reaching the end of their useful lifespan. In 2015, NYCT replaced tracks east of 33 St-Rawson St and at certain points between Queensboro Plaza and Flushing-Main St, primarily working on three-track segments of the elevated line. In 2016, NYCT will continue this work between 46 St-Bliss St and 52 St and outside Flushing-Main St. Such work is part of the recurring maintenance of the subway system as NYCT periodically checks every mile of track on every line and replaces tracks nearing the end of their useful lives.

A major project affecting the Flushing Line that is scheduled for completion in 2016 is the reconstruction and fortification of the Steinway Tunnel, which was flooded by Superstorm Sandy’s record surge in October 2012. In 2015, crews continued to rebuild the tunnel’s deteriorated duct bank and bench walls, waterproofed the structure against future storms, replaced discharge lines with higher capacity pipes, raised drains and elevated pump rooms, replaced tracks and related infrastructure and other saltwater-damaged components and built new supports for an emergency power generator. In 2016, crews are scheduled to complete the reconstruction of the duct bank, which will house new power and communications equipment for the 7 Line. The completion of the Steinway Tunnel repairs will significantly reduce the need for future non-CBTC related service suspensions between Manhattan and Queens. The 121-year-old tunnel, however, is one of the oldest portions of the subway system and its narrow width cannot accommodate both trains and work crews, so any work in the tunnel necessitates service suspensions.

 

Tags: