The East Side Access Project Discussion (ESA)

jetset wrote:My best guess would be 613 was about 99% full today. I noticed a couple facing seats open west of Jamaica but several standees in each vestibule who refused to take those seats. Certainly not as bad as Monday or Tuesday. But we continue to hold for long periods of time in Jamaica waiting for connecting trains which is extremely frustrating although it was nice to go flying past all those Penn Station trains that were backed up prior to the east river tunnel.

It's usually been that way even before ESA work. The schedule shows 613 getting into Jamaica at 821 and departing at 825, though now on the boards both 613 and 43 are shown as departing at 827. Today we departed at 830, so it isn't too bad. Plus the extra 2 minutes of holding time or 43 being late usually help me catch 613 from Jamaica if I don't catch it on the PJ branch

Was? Hopefully soon. The final contracts are under design now.

Engineering for Gateway would have to start pretty soon to start construction by 2017. There a lot of people to satisfy to cross a river these days.

Maybe real design can start up in the next year or two.

jlr3266 wrote:Was? Hopefully soon. The final contracts are under design now.

1. Why can't the new LIRR Tracks in Grand Central Terminal be closer to the current lower level for Metro North?

2.

jlr3266 wrote:Engineering for Gateway would have to start pretty soon to start construction by 2017. There a lot of people to satisfy to cross a river these days.

Maybe real design can start up in the next year or two.

Amtrak claims that "Program Management activities include development of a contract packaging approach and issuing the first design and environmental review package for the proposed tunnels within FY2014. http://www.amtrak.com/ccurl/851/32/Amtr ... tion,0.pdf" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Hypothetically speaking, if Amtrak issues the contract for the design and environmental package in November, 2013, (which will be in FY 2014), how soon can all of the engineering be completed?

Thomas,go back to page 14 of this thread and start reading,Question #1 will be answered there.

2. No way at all. Unrealistic. They will need two years minimum accounting for the railroad's inability to make a decision, 3rd party requirements, egos, etc.

jlr3266 wrote:2. No way at all. Unrealistic. They will need two years minimum accounting for the railroad's inability to make a decision, 3rd party requirements, egos, etc.

Which 2. are you referring to?

While riding eastbound through Sunnyside caught sight of two Amtrak Diesel engines pulling a string of fresh Herzog gons. This just west of the ESA construction

...Which 2. are you referring to?

We're getting the threads mixed up again. This is LIRR ESA. Gateway is Amtrak (in Amtrak Forum).

10-4, Tommy.

How deep under ground will the Harold Interlocking Bypass Tracks be once they are completed?

Not very deep at all, take a look at some of the photos here.

no need to make it deep, ESA can only accommodate M-7's and M-3's

The tunnels in question are the Eastbound and Westbound Bypass for Amtrak. About 18' from top of rail to roof, but with little cover under the mainline tracks.

jlr3266 wrote:About 18' from top of rail to roof, but with little cover under the mainline tracks.

Does that mean that the rails are what, maybe 25 feet below the current track level in Harold Interlocking?

Think underpasses, not deep bored TBM tunnels, Thomas.