A few weeks ago I
got my first opportunity to explore a New York City Subway tunnel.
And when I say tunnel I don't mean a subway tunnel that runs under some
street, although those are amazing too. No, I'm talking about the
Montague tunnel (or tubes) which run from Manhattan to Brooklyn,
under the East River. This tunnel has been closed for the past
thirteen months for repairs from Hurricane Sandy. As construction
draws to a close, Patrick Cashin, the MTA's photographer wanted to
document the repairs before the tunnel reopened. Tagging along with
Pat, I was able to shed light on one small part of the NY Transit
system, a system which so many people take for granted, yet know so
little about; the environment the commuters travel through as they go
from one place to another. The many support systems that keep the
subways running smoothly, and the safety systems which aid in
passenger safety, all are there but largely unknown.
Pat Cashin, two MTA
press reporters and myself met the General Contractor (G.C.) and
another worker a few blocks from the entrance to the tunnel, and
after a few minutes set off. We walked down the steps of the last
station before the tunnel, walked to the end of the platform,
clambered down and we were in.
Immediately after
walking into the tube and away from the station platform, I was hit
by a damp smell. The air was refreshingly cool but was full of
moisture, the walls were dark with condensation, and the work lights
were reflected in small puddles of water scattered on the ground. We
walked for 100 feet and rounded a bend blocking any sight or sound
from the station. We had not reached any of the construction yet,
but even though we were out of hearing distance from both the station
and the construction, a continual low rumble, like a distant train
slowly approaching filled the tunnel. Luckily we were safe from any
trains coming...electric to the third rail in the tunnel had been
turned off during construction.
We walked along the
tunnel, the G.C. pointing out all the new systems they had installed
and repaired...I was only half listening to the first part, I was in
such awe of my surroundings. The tunnel was huge and I had planned
for this day for so long that I couldn't believe it was already here.
I quickly settled down and began snapping away, and listening to the G.C.
as he told us different things about the tunnel and the work going on
in it. About 1,000 feet
into the tunnel we came across works working on the track, the
electricity lines, and piping.
I don't want to say much more because I need to keep some surprises for my presentation in April, but check back soon for more updates!
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