Frustrating 2 Capex projects back to back on red line and green line with bustitution no trains for 6 to 8 weeks on half the system…NYC has run around tracks and single lining and I am sure Philly and Chicago due the same. Shows what a toy train set that we have here
I think the difference can be attributed to many NYC subway lines also having express tracks to shunt traffic to adjacent trackage around the repair/construction work; NYC subway lines (especially in Manhattan) are often built close to one another, often within a block’s walking distance. This is a result of competing transit companies (IRT and BMT lines) vying for customers in the late 19th/early 20th centuries; government-built lines (IND lines) came about much later.
In more modern times, private construction and operation are not feasible due to the gargantuan costs associated with subway construction. Government can access such funding but only if the constituents support it. Many projects are easily nixed this way.
In the Washington DC region, METRO only has two-track lines which occasionally get delays whenever there is a disabled train or shut down when there is construction or track rehab work; currently, METRO has closed five stations on one line due to platform repairs but has a frequent bus shuttle network between the closed stations. Not ideal but a necessary substitution, I’d say.
It takes in the neighborhood of 10 times longer to do any project ‘under traffic’ than it does when the construction crews have 24/7 use of the site.
Waren J is crrect. A majarety of route-miles of the NYCity Subway System has three or four tracks, not only two.
And except for the No. 7 Times Square - Flushing Line and the No. 2 Lenox AVenue - The Bronx 135th St. - 149th Grand concouse tunnal, all 2-track under[-river tunnels can be bypassed by other tunnels or bridges to preserve most of any route’s service.
In Chicago, the Green Line was shut down for two years with bus substitution. Major rebuilding of the elevated structure was involved which precluded any kind of operation. When the Dan Ryan Line and the Douglas Park line were rebuilt, the rebuilding was not as extensive and weekday service continued with weekend and overnight shutdowns.
…and most don’t even begin to see the safety and quality trade-offs, especially with night work…