Ok, this is a combination of ESA, GCT-NYP link, a new Hudson River tunnel, and Cross Harbor Tunnel.
1. Tracks 1-5 of NYP are extended to existing GCT lower level tracks, allowing NJT to serve GCT.
2. ESA as planned. New lower lower level of GCT.
3. New LIRR GCT level extended to a new lower level of NYP via a 3 track tunnel. The new lower level of NYP would be 8 tracks wide, 4 tracks total. However, only 6 of those tracks, 3 on each side of 2 center tracks would be used by LIRR trains via GCT. These 6 tracks would connect to West Side Yard.
4. New Hudson River tunnel, 2 tracks, possibly 3. The tunnel would be made big enough for double stacked freight. All 3 tracks connect to existing NJT tracks at NYP. 2 of the tracks would also branch off to the new lower level of NYP. These would be the 2 center tracks mentioned in part 3. Basically, these tracks would also have platforms(as part of the 8 track 4 platform NYP lower level). These 2 tracks would also have clearance for double stacked freights. They would also allow trains to switch to the 2 side tracks when traveling westbound. Then, at the east end of NYP, the 2 tracks go up, under the east river, and then connect with the lower montauk in the LIC area. There'd also be a new underground LIC station, unless the tunnel can be made so that the tracks can enter the existing LIC station, which I doubt.
So basically, part 4 allows for a new freight tunnel as well as for LIRR trains via Lower Montauk to go to NYP, making a damn good use for the Lower Montauk.
So there. LIRR has a new lower level for trains using ESA or the Lower Montauk, NJT has their new tunnel under the hudson, which is tied in with a new freight tunnel, eliminating the need for a cross harbor tunnel.
1. Tracks 1-5 of NYP are extended to existing GCT lower level tracks, allowing NJT to serve GCT.
2. ESA as planned. New lower lower level of GCT.
3. New LIRR GCT level extended to a new lower level of NYP via a 3 track tunnel. The new lower level of NYP would be 8 tracks wide, 4 tracks total. However, only 6 of those tracks, 3 on each side of 2 center tracks would be used by LIRR trains via GCT. These 6 tracks would connect to West Side Yard.
4. New Hudson River tunnel, 2 tracks, possibly 3. The tunnel would be made big enough for double stacked freight. All 3 tracks connect to existing NJT tracks at NYP. 2 of the tracks would also branch off to the new lower level of NYP. These would be the 2 center tracks mentioned in part 3. Basically, these tracks would also have platforms(as part of the 8 track 4 platform NYP lower level). These 2 tracks would also have clearance for double stacked freights. They would also allow trains to switch to the 2 side tracks when traveling westbound. Then, at the east end of NYP, the 2 tracks go up, under the east river, and then connect with the lower montauk in the LIC area. There'd also be a new underground LIC station, unless the tunnel can be made so that the tracks can enter the existing LIC station, which I doubt.
So basically, part 4 allows for a new freight tunnel as well as for LIRR trains via Lower Montauk to go to NYP, making a damn good use for the Lower Montauk.
So there. LIRR has a new lower level for trains using ESA or the Lower Montauk, NJT has their new tunnel under the hudson, which is tied in with a new freight tunnel, eliminating the need for a cross harbor tunnel.
