Crews Clearing Drains, Preparing Equipment, and Being Strategically Pre-Positioned to Respond Quickly to Any Weather-Related Challenges
View Photos of Transit Workers Testing and Loading Pumps in Downtown Brooklyn to be Deployed Ahead of Approaching Storm
With a storm expected to bring heavy rain and strong winds across the New York Metro area this weekend, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) today detailed all-agency preparations being made to keep customers and employees safe while delivering as much reliable service as possible. This evening, transit workers tested and loaded water pumps in Downtown Brooklyn to be deployed ahead of the approaching storm.
MTA employees will be deployed throughout the operating region checking flood-prone locations, pre-staging equipment, keeping signals, switches, and third rails operating, and attending to any weather-related challenges.
“Transit employees will be on standby to respond quickly to any weather-related issues notably significant water intrusion and wind to make traveling as easy as possible for customers,” said NYC Transit President Richard Davey. “Even for a system that pumps out millions of gallons of water on a dry day, anytime a lot of rain is in the forecast, NYC Transit crews are in the system ahead of time, making sure we are well prepared.”
New York City Subway and Staten Island Railway
Due to the nature of the subway system, rainwater will inevitably go down into the system and impact infrastructure. NYC Transit’s focus during heavy rain events is to minimize impacts to service by responding and removing water quickly when it does infiltrate the system.
NYC Transit’s Department of Subways has a fleet of emergency response equipment including emergency trucks, deployable pumps, debris trains and pump trains, ready to deploy in response to flooding conditions and debris in the roadway. Field personnel inspects and clean vents at flood-prone locations, and personnel is staged at critical locations including stations and yards, ready to deploy and respond to flooding conditions.
New York City Buses
MTA personnel will monitor routes for known flooding situations, and have detours prepared. Extra personnel will be on standby in the event of service disruptions or subway shutdowns.
All bus facilities will have roof drains checked and ensure they are clear of debris and any loose materials will be secured. Emergency generators are being checked and will be ready in the event of a power outage.
MTA Bridges and Tunnels
MTA Bridges and Tunnels personnel have activated full inclement weather preparedness for all facilities and the Operations Command Center Weather Desk will monitor the forecast. Staff will coordinate ahead of the storm to ensure a quick response to any weather-related issues that may arise.
Bridges are equipped with embedded roadway sensors which measure temperature and above-ground atmospheric sensors that deliver real-time information on wind velocity, wind direction, humidity, and precipitation via wireless communication.
Restrictions may be put in place if weather conditions warrant.
Long Island Rail Road and Metro-North Railroad
Long Island Rail Road and Metro-North Railroad crews will be pre-positioned around the system ready to respond to any weather-related issues.
Crews have equipment on hand to be able to respond quickly as conditions warrant – chainsaws for clearing downed trees, pumps in the event of flooded areas, identifying locations and availability of supplies for replacing damaged utility poles and crossing gates. Diesel locomotives will also be pre-positioned to minimize any potential service impacts.
Personnel will survey and clear drainage areas where necessary, fortify key locations and look for trees requiring removal as well as any track structures requiring attention.
Access-A-Ride
Access-A-Ride paratransit will continue to provide service. Customers may experience additional delays and wait times. Customers may want to consider adjusting their travel plans.
Paratransit Command Center will be monitoring the storm to track and respond to any customer or day of service issues.