MTA's 'Fastrack' Track Blitz Repairs Program Moves To 7th Avenue IRT

New York City, February 9, 2012 - The 'Fastrack' right of way overhaul program that was hugely successful on New York City Transit's IRT Lexington Avenue line (4, 5 and 6) a month ago, is moving on to the 7th Avenue IRT (1, 2 and 3). The program means that a portion of the system undergoes a complete closure so a variety of tasks that normally need to be shoe-horned between moving subway trains, allowing for safe, seamless non-stop repairs to be completed more quickly than ever before for a week between Monday night at 10 p.m. through Friday morning at 5 a.m. By providing a more productive and safe work environment, Transit employees avoid the seemingly constant interruptions of repeatedly having to “clear up” for trains to pass. About 10 to 15% of subway riders during those hours are expected to be affected.

The affected stations next week are on the 7th Avenue IRT span from 34th Street-Pennsylvania Station in Manhattan to Atlantic Avenue in Brooklyn. Subway riders are being asked to switch to other lines at major stations such as Times Square and 59th Street-Columbus Circle. Bus service will supplement the adjoining subway service along the 7th Avenue line.

During January's Fastrack launch on the Lexington Avenue line, 300 tasks including repairing platforms, stairways, painting, light installations in addition to signal and switch inspections.

The next to get the Fastrack treatment will be the Sixth Avenue IND (Independent B, D and F lines) from February 27 to March 2.

Lower Manhattan Traffic Report: Traffic Jam Due To Giant's Super Bowl Ticker Tape Parade

New York City, February 7, 2012 - A huge morning-long traffic jam occurred as a one-time event - the N.Y. Giant's Super Bowl ticker tape (an estimated 40 tons) parade up the 'Canyon Of Heroes' on Broadway in Lower Manhattan today - and what a parade it was! The victors proudly waved their 4th Lombardi Trophy in the air that made the crowd cheer! The weather was beautiful picture postcard day but was overshadowed by the extravaganza starring our Sunday afternoon heroes, who were the real stars.

You're saying, ok, this is a transportation blog - so where's the transportation angle? Alright - here goes: aside from the traffic jam, City Comptroller John Liu rode on his own private float - a 1952 Chrysler 300.

New York City's subway system service was altered as extra trains were added and train stops temporarily closed as 11 am approached - when the parade began. All divisions in Lower Manhattan were affected as fans made the subway cars that are normally packed to the gills, were jammed cheek to jowl far above normal levels. I've never seen so many school children on parent sponsored field trips - lots of hookey was played today. Subway details:
Beginning at 10 AM to prevent overcrowding conditions, trains did NOT stop at these five stations:
Wall St, 4 or 5;
City Hall, R;
Chambers St, A or C;
World Trade Center, E;
and Fulton St, 4, 5, A or C.

These five stations were the best way to get to the parade route:
1 service to South Ferry or Rector Street;
2 or 3 service to Wall St or Fulton St;
4, 5 or 6 service to Brooklyn Bridge-City Hall;
J service to Chambers St;
R service to Rector St.

The MTA's commuter lines, Metro-North and Long Island Rail Road, will be adding extra trains to handle the added capacity.

Over a million fans of all ages and sizes attended the gala event that was a wonderful event that was culminated with the Giants getting the keys to New York City from Mayor Bloomberg.

Congrats to the comeback kids as they rebounded from a 7-7 regular season record to go on a winning streak that earned them the Super Bowl trophy. Coach Coughlin is worth is weight in gold as he kept the team on message and was definitely exhibiting leadership as he definitely kept communicating with his charges in a positive manner - I wouldn't mind working for a guy like that!