The East Side Access Project Discussion (ESA)

Cab-signals on LIRR trains show a speed, not a signal-aspect as on most railroads. LIRR engineers talk about getting a 15-code or a 30-code, etc. I would assume that sometimes the routing can be inferred by the speed code but not always.

Since PTC can now sense failure of any signal light wouldn't a white arrow failure drop signals to stop?

A Newsday article today explained that LIRR does not own a Diesel loco capable of towing a disabled MU train out of the ESA tunnel should the need arise. The issues are height restrictions and power capability to pull a fully loaded (12-car?) train up the comparatively steep grade. So they will have to have a loco built in the near future for that specific purpose.

Does anyone here know what percent that steep grade is?

The obvious solution would be to temporarily lease two of the NYCTA new diesel work motors as they'll meet the height and grade capabilities! They can then just piggyback on a replacement order in the long term!

workextra wrote: ↑Sun Nov 27, 2022 9:22 am It won’t be a shuttle-wagon indefinitely.
Maybe for a month or so.
There is something on order. However, you need to understand ESA is extremely tight clearances so it won’t be
Your traditional Car body. But I think you’ll like it for what is.
Expect an official announcement at some point in early 2023.
That’s all I know for now.

Latest talk is potentially a Dec 19/20 date now but I really don’t know. It’s changing like the temperature.

.

Reading MTA is going to punch thru another walkway. Could it cause another problem with the LIRR GCT ventelation system?

Only the MTA could have a project delayed by something that doesn't suck enough..

Grand Central Madison is closed, but the MTA is running empty trains there anyway - Gothamist - Jan 18, 2023
"MTA officials said the LIRR regularly tests the new service by running trains without riders."

MTA's East Side Access project delayed again due to vent problems - Gothamist - Jan 11, 2023

The long-delayed launch of the MTA’s East Side Access service could be pushed beyond January due to an issue with an exhaust fan in the new station, officials said Wednesday.

The latest problem stems from one exhaust system in the new terminal that isn’t pulling in enough air because of a “counteracting air flow” in Grand Central Terminal, MTA Chairman Janno Lieber said.

Lieber wouldn’t commit to a new opening date, and said crews were working to fix the problem.

Grand Central Madison still delayed, MTA says

“I’m not putting a date on it, but we’re making progress,” Lieber told reporters following an unrelated press conference. “It’s as if you had a walkthrough of a house that was done, and you can smell the new house and you can smell the new paint, and they told you there’s still a village code inspection that needs to take place.”

The MTA has pointed to the fan problems for nearly a month as the source of delays on the nearly $12 billion project. On Wednesday, Lieber rejected the suggestion that staffing shortages were to blame.

But MTA for MNRR is punching thru another walkway. Woder if that could cause more engineering problems.?

Opens Wednesday???

https://new.mta.info/grandcentralmadiso ... tid=Zxz2cZ

The Railroad ran simulated shuttles on 1/11, 1/19, and 1/21. It looks like it's ready to go.

The first passenger train looks to be train 9013 on Wednesday 1/25/23. This is covered by crew GCM4. The train should be in Jamaica around 1019am, probably departing off of tracks 4 or 5 at 1045am.

9013
Jamaica 1045
Kew Gardens 1049
Forest Hills 1051
Woodside 1056
Grand Central Madison 1107

https://new.mta.info/article/introducin ... ct-service

All aboard to Grand Central Madison!

Starting January 25, we will officially open Grand Central Madison with special Grand Central Direct service. The first train on January 25 will depart Jamaica at 10:45 a.m., arriving at Grand Central Madison at 11:07 a.m.

Trains will run seven days a week between Jamaica and Grand Central Madison, giving you a chance to explore the new terminal and its route. This service is in addition to the current Long Island Rail Road schedule.

Here's how special Grand Central Direct service will work:

Weekdays: During the AM and PM rush, trains will run hourly in the peak direction (westbound in the morning, eastbound in the evening). These peak trains will stop at Woodside to provide service for Port Washington customers. At midday, trains will run every half hour, with one train running express between Jamaica and Grand Central, and one train making all local stops at Kew Gardens, Forest Hills, and Woodside. The first train will depart Jamaica at 6:17 a.m., and the final train will depart Grand Central at 8:04 p.m.

Weekends: Between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m., trains will run every half hour, with one train running express between Jamaica and Grand Central, and one train making all local stops at Kew Gardens, Forest Hills, and Woodside.

You can find more details on Grand Central Direct trains in the TrainTime app.

A one-way ticket will cost the same as a one-way ticket between Jamaica and Penn Station. During off-peak hours, you can use a $5 CityTicket on Grand Central Direct trains.

The current LIRR schedule remains in effect, and there are no changes to existing trains to Penn Station and other destinations.

However, when full LIRR service to Grand Central goes into effect, your trip will most likely change. You can use our future trip planner and check out schedules for all LIRR branches to see what your trip might look like. Final schedules will be announced soon.

As I predicted, service begins tomorrow, December 56th, 2022
The goal has been met

Grand Central Direct Shuttle Service
Public Schedules

https://new.mta.info/document/104541

Heads up, the MTA App will now give through connection schedules LIRR-MNRR and return. Ticketing is still separate.