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Old Posted Oct 9, 2021, 5:51 PM
k1052 k1052 is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ardecila View Post
Even the sandbagged number for the GCP subway extension was $2.7B, not including any intermediate stations:

http://ricondoprojects.com/LGAAccess...s_20200817.pdf
(page 2-55)

The reason given for killing it was construction impacts to Amtrak's Hell Gate Line (lazy argument, this is really no different than any other bridge replacement on the NEC) and the reduction in service to Astoria Blvd and Ditmars stations as a result of the branching, which is a decent argument.

However, I think the new branch could be constructed with a 2nd set of platforms at Astoria Blvd alongside the existing ones, which softens the blow to existing service quite a bit.
Once they actually ask the MTA to come up with a figure that's going to double because they don't want to do it. Like how they say reactivating the Rockaway LIRR branch would cost 7-8 billion dollars. Somebody, certainly the governor, will need the will to call BS.

Ditmars tops out at about 14-15 trains per hour because of the terminal's configuration so there's plenty of room on the line to accommodate the branch to LGA. Pre-pandemic there was a push to redo the terminal because frequency on the N/W was too low and it was hitting crush load far to often at Queensboro Plaza, especially with the continued growth in LIC likely to make things worse. So in theory you could send a train to/from LGA every 10 minutes and not really impact Astoria or Ditmars present service levels. More once CBTC is installed on the Astoria line as the MTA plans to do.
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