On Aug 1 Guv of CT will accept proposals for rail service from New Haven to New York City entering Pennsylvania Station. This will require electrification of the area between New Rochelle and Queens. http://www.topix.net/content/trb/2007/07/penn-station-ideas-due-aug-1 from the Hartford Courant.
The article also states they would have to replace the current overhead electrical wiring, for double decker trains. The current system is very old and often breaks down in Hot and Cold weather. The whole system should be replaced but we here have been building I-95 for 30 years and counting.
Posted by George Harris (Member # 2077) on :
First: This will not require any new electrification. It already exists. Amtrak uses it. Yes the current New Haven overhead needs a lot of work. This issue is independent of whether or not any service is run into New York Penn. It is related to the overall age and level of maintenance that the existing overhead system has been given over the years. In fact, a lot of things on this system, not just the overhead, need a lot of work. The use of double deckers is related to clearances, which may not permit it.
Posted by irishchieftain (Member # 1473) on :
You know what it will require? Slots in Penn Station. There are none; and LIRR's not giving up any, even when their East Side Access to Grand Central Terminal opens.