Weekend Work January 25 - 28, 2013

On the weekend of January 25-28, train service was suspended between Queensboro Plaza and Times Sq-42 St to give maintenance workers and contractors an opportunity to accomplish several important jobs to improve the service and reliability of this important public transportation link between Flushing, Queens and Midtown Manhattan:

Signal System Modernization CBTC, Flushing Line

Work associated with the installation of a new Communications Based Train Control (CBTC) signal system continued.  When completed in 2016, the line will be equipped with a modern signal system.  Work over the last weekend included the installation of Z cases (power cases on the track bed), conduits and equipment, and chopping and patching concrete from Grand Central to First Avenue.  In addition, serve cables, a nylon rope that is tied around cables and serves to relieve stress on hanging cables, were installed from Times Sq-42 St to 5 Av, and heat trace cables were installed at First Avenue. 

Capital Track Program

Track Maintenance forces installed track panels on the Times Sq-42 St-bound track between Court Sq Station and Queensboro Plaza Station and on the Main St-bound track in the vicinity of the Court Sq Station.  Workers also replaced five rotted third rail support ties at various locations and at Queensboro Plaza Station and outside this location in the Main St-bound direction.  In addition, work crews installed 30 “A” plates, scraped and cleaned 500 linear feet of track at Queensboro Plaza Station, and installed seven running rails, resurfaced 500 linear feet of track and welded two areas of track near Hunters Point Av Station.

Additional Work

Existing ducts are being demolished on both sides of the outer wall of the Steinway Tunnel and a new duct bank is being constructed and will house new cables that supplies power to the third rail.  The contractor completely demolished 600 linear feet of old duct bank on the Times-Sq-42 St-bound track and partially demolished 250 linear feet of old duct bank on the Main St-bound track.  Work also included sealing water leaks in the tunnel and drilling holes for future rebar installation.