In New York MTAis preparing to tackle a long-standing subway problem in Brooklyn. Nostrand InterlockingA strategic overhaul of the is aimed at easing delays affecting more than 300.000 passengers a day.
Current Problem and Causes
Located in a central location in Brooklyn, this link On lines 2, 3, 4 and 5 has been disrupting service for a long time. Outdated track design is causing multiple trains to stop and wait, creating cascading delays throughout the subway system.
The intersection in question, Franklin Avenue station with both Eastern Parkway and Nostrand Avenue routes The tracks twist and overlap in a complex knot-like pattern, severely restricting train movement and creating a bottleneck.
Solution Proposal: Rerouting Lines
In order to reduce these conflicts, MTA officials Redirecting the 3 and 5 trains east on Franklin Street Accordingly, the 5 train will run along Eastern Parkway, while the 3 train will be rerouted to Nostrand Avenue.
Officials say the change will separate lines more cleanly and allow for smoother transfers at the junction. It could significantly reduce waiting times and improve overall efficiency. “There are significant delays and it’s impossible to plan your day. It’s disrupting everything,” said Stephanie Browne, a commuter.
“Hair Knot” to be Untied as Part of MTA Capital Plan
This redesign is based on the MTA’s newly approved The $65 billion five-year capital plan and forms part of it, especially Crown Heights ClusterThe project will include a feasibility study to determine if station platform changes are needed at Franklin Avenue.
The bottleneck only affects 150 feet of track, or 0,004 percent of the entire system, but it still causes major problems, said Alyssa Cobb Konon, associate chief development officer. “You can’t just untie the knot. You go around it and it comes out,” Konon said, likening the work to untying knots in hair. The project will require building a new bypass east of the existing junction.
Cost Savings and Future Plans
An earlier idea called for adding a new line (8) between the Bronx and New Lots Avenue. However, that plan had an estimated cost of $410 million, which did not include $224 million for new subway cars. The MTA now believes it can solve the problem without adding a new line, which would result in significant cost savings. Officials plan to begin construction in the coming years, but no firm timeline has been set yet.
