Chambers Street Signal Modernization

Project Highlights

Rehabilitated two existing complexes and constructed the new complex
Installed AC, HVAC, duct work, fans, dampers and associated controls
Installed new ties, rail, insulated joints and associated negative work
Installed new fiber optic, communications, CCTV, intrusion/security and fire suppression systems
Installed new electrical systems
Installed and wired new signal control equipment

Customer

New York City Transit Authority, part of the Metropolitan Transit Authority

Location

New York, New York

Category

Transit Rail Services

Services

Systems, Signals & Communications

Transit Construction & Rehabilitation

Provided By

L.K. Comstock served as the prime contractor for the $88-million project to restore full functionality to the Chambers Street interlocking and rehabilitate the connecting World Trade and Canal Street interlockings and associated control tower.

The Chambers Street project became an urgent priority following a fire in 2005 that swept through the interlocking relay room. As the prime contractor, L.K. Comstock coordinated and completed various types of civil, systems, electrical, communications, track and signals work:

Project Scope

Civil – Rehabilitated two existing complexes and constructed the new complex to house the new signal equipment.
Mechanical – Installed AC, HVAC, duct work, fans, dampers and associated controls for each complex.
Track – First tier subcontractor RailWorks Transit installed new ties, rail, insulated joints and associated negative work.
Communications – Installed new fiber optic and communications systems between locations, CCTV systems, intrusion/security and fire suppression systems.
Electrical – Installed new electrical systems and wiring within each complex.
Signal – Installed and wired new signal control equipment in three relay rooms and the master control tower as well as new wayside signal equipment. L.K. Comstock monitored the signal design, schedule and delivery of signal equipment from subcontractor Ansaldo STS. In addition to removing all existing relay room and wayside control equipment, L.K. Comstock also performed the signal design check and placed each interlocking in service.

Unique Features

The interlocking is located in Manhattan's Financial District, close to where 15 million passengers travel each year through the Chambers Street-World Trade Center station. It controls the signal system for the downtown portion of three primary subway lines – A, C and E – a main transportation route from Queens, Brooklyn and Upper Manhattan into the heart of Manhattan. Due to the fire, the disabled interlocking limited subway service and routing options for five years. But by the end of May 2010, with all phases of the project completed, the New York City Transit Authority (NYCT) resumed operation of the fully restored and modernized interlocking.