The Metropolitan Transportation Authority's (MTA) Metro-North Railroad recently received a $20.8 million federal grant to improve the Hudson Line against future storm surge flooding.
The grant will be used to make sure the line doesn't suffer the extent of damage experienced during Superstorm Sandy. During the 2012 storm, more than 50 percent of the Hudson Line right-of-way was submerged in saltwater, which disrupted the line's power, and communication and signal systems.
“Our trains cannot run without live signals, third rail power and communications systems,” Joseph Guilietti, Metro-North Railroad president, said. “We are extremely grateful for this critical systems grant, which will significantly reduce the likelihood that Metro-North could again experience the magnitude of damage to our electrical infrastructure that we faced after Sandy. This grant will enable us to protect our equipment from future storms.”
The funds will be matched by $6.9 million in MTA money. They will be used to design and construct 92 elevated steel equipment platforms running alongside 30 miles of the track in Westchester County, between Croton-Harmon and South Bronx. In addition, perimeter protection, hardening of substations and train yard structures, waterproofing, and installation of video and electronic monitoring technology will be added.
“Superstorm Sandy walloped our tracks, electrical systems, rail equipment and more, and this federal funding will help make our transit system more resilient without leaving local commuters on the hook for these expenses,” U.S. Sen. Charles E. Schumer (D-N.Y.) said. “This massive federal investment means that Hudson River line riders can rest assured that their rail system will be stronger and more resilient in the event of a future storm.”
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