Weekend Work February 1 - 4, 2013

On the weekend of February 1-4, service on the Line was suspended between Queensboro Plaza and Times Sq-42 St to give maintenance workers and contractors a chance to work on several important jobs that will ultimately have a positive impact on the service and reliability of this important public transportation link between Flushing, Queens and Midtown Manhattan:

Signal System Modernization CBTC, Flushing Line

The contractor continued work related to the installation of a new signal system on the Flushing Line.  When completed, the line will have a modern Communications Based Train Control (CBTC) signal system.  Accomplishments over the last weekend included work on the negative return cable between Times Sq-42 St and Grand Central-42 St Stations.  Approximately 200 linear feet of 500 MCM Cable was installed, and connections were made to the negative rails.   Between Grand Central-42 St and First Avenue, three locations were chopped and one location was patched.  In addition, the contractor installed exterior light fixtures at the First Avenue Relay Room.

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.  In addition, the team completed installing new cable boxes and new cables at two gap locations.  On the Main St-bound track workers also completed installing new cable boxes and new cables at two gap locations.  In addition, work crews installed ten "A" plates, replaced 2 third-rail ties and 60 pieces of slatting.

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 that will house new cables that supplies power to the third rail.  The contractor completely demolished 800 linear feet of old duct bank on the Times-Sq-42 St-bound track and partially demolished 450 linear feet of old duct bank on the Main St-bound track.  Work in the Steinway Tunnel also included sealing water leaks, installing 600 linear feet of vertical rebar on the Manhattan-bound track and 730 linear feet of Fiberglass Reinforced Epoxy duct work.  In addition, the contractor power washed and applied Weld Crete (a bonding agent for concrete) on 1,600 linear feet of surface on the Manhattan-bound track and removed 300 feet of old cable from the Main St-bound track.