Weekend Work March 8 - 11, 2013

In order to give subway maintenance workers and contractors an opportunity to work on significant construction projects, during the weekend of March 8-11, service on the  line was suspended between Queensboro Plaza and Times Sq-42 St,  When these important projects are completed, the benefit for Flushing Line customers will be improved service reliability, greater customer comfort and customer communications.  The 9.4-mile long line has 21 stations and links Downtown Flushing, Queens and Midtown Manhattan.

This weekend’s work included the ongoing installation of a modern signal system, rebuilding work and electrical work in the under river tunnel and replacing track on the elevated structure.

Signal System Modernization CBTC, Flushing Line
The contractor continued work associated with the installation of a modern signal system, known as Communications Based Train Control (CBTC), on the nearly-century old Flushing Line; the project is scheduled for completion in late 2016. Achievements this weekend include the continued patching of concrete and sealing of water leaks between Grand Central-42 St and First Avenue. At the 5 Av Station, the contractor installed 25 serving cables, one signal and one signal case. In addition, signal equipment was terminated from Times Sq-42 St to the First Avenue Interlocking and 700 feet of power cable, 45 feet of cable trays and 300 straps was installed.

Additional Work
This work includes demolishing ducts on both outer walls of the Steinway Tunnel and constructing a new duct bank that will house cables that supplies power to the third rail.  During the past weekend, on the Manhattan-bound track, the contractor poured concrete for 700 feet of duct bank, installed 735 feet of steel form work and completed the installation of 300 feet of rebar and fiberglass duct work. An additional 1,100 feet of vertical rebar was installed on Manhattan-bound track in preparation for future fiberglass duct work.  On the Queens-bound track, approximately 675 feet of duct bank was completely removed.

Capital Track Program
On the Manhattan-bound track, Track Maintenance forces replaced track panels outside of Queensboro Plaza Station in the direction of Court Sq.