Sustainability and green
Skanska/ Railworks joint-venture has been
awarded the $513 million project for the
Finishing and Systems Project of the #7 Line
Extension to the West Side of Manhattan. The
major items of work for the project include the
construction of a new ventilation building at
26th St and Eleventh Ave., complete outfitting
of three soon to be completed ventilation facilities
along the new route, completion of the new
34th St Station, Entrance and Mezzanine areas
with high end architectural finishes, ventilation,
lighting and communications. Additional work
items include new tunnel lighting, ventilation
and fire protection, new LVT (low vibration
track) from the existing Times Square Station
to 25th Street and Eleventh Ave. complete with
Third Rail, Signals, Traction Power. The culmination
of this contract will finally provide
passenger train service to the west side of Manhattan.
The new 34th St Station will be the first brand
new state of the art station built for the NYCT
in the last 25 years. With both an upper and
lower mezzanine, this station will utilize high
end finishes such as stainless steel ceiling and
wall panels, granite tile, superior lighting, and
high efficiency heating and air conditioning.
To access this station, passengers will have
many choices, from wide stairways, escalators,
elevators and the first ever “inclined elevator”
imported from Italy.
Other work on this project includes the construction
of a new ventilation structure at 26th
St and Eleventh Ave. This above and below
grade structure will house just some of the
large fans required to provide ventilation to the
southern portion of this project. This structure
was designed for “over build” in anticipation for
future development of the site. Other soon to
be completed ventilation structures will also be
“fitting out” with ventilation equipment which
will provide the much needed ventilation to the
1.5 miles of underground tunnels.
To ensure a smooth ride for its passengers,
NYCT has designated the use of Low Vibration
Track (LVT) for this new extension to the Number
7 Line. This LVT, use predominantly in
Europe, will be used for only the 4th time in the
entire NYC subway system which encompasses
thousands of miles of track. This highly specialized
track is constructed by utilizing concrete
ties incased in a rubber boot instead of the standard
wood ties. The rubber boot reduces the
amount of vibration transmitted from the running
rail to the wheels of the passenger cars.
To support this new LVT, Third Rail, Switches,
Signal System, Communication and Traction
Power is required. The new electrical systems
will be encased in concrete running on both
sides of both tunnels for the full length of the
Project.
Along with the 14,000 linear feet of LVT, all the
necessary lighting, fire protection, and tunnel
ventilation for life support will be installed.
The joint venture is excited to be associated
with completing the Number 7 Line Extension.
With the cooperation of all parties, especially
NYCT and HYDC, we look forward to bringing
revenue service to Manhattan’s West Side.
