Metro-North to launch trackwork project in the Bronx

MTA Metro-North Railroad will accelerate trackwork in the Bronx for nine weeks starting July 1, officials announced yesterday.

The work will include drainage improvements, tie replacements, fencing repairs and general wayside cleanup. During the nine-week period, one morning-peak Harlem Line and one morning-peak New Haven Line train will be cancelled, and two morning-peak New Haven Line trains will be combined, Metro-North officials said in a press release.

"We believe that accelerating long-planned track work is the right way to go and we ask the patience of our customers during this crucial effort," said President Howard Permut.

One concern involves track that runs below street level between Melrose and Woodlawn. When it rains, water from surrounding streets pour onto the tracks with nowhere to drain. Metro-North crews will address the problem concurrently with a two-year, $11 million drainage project. The work will include installation of underground drains that will connect to New York City sewer lines that cross below the tracks in 12 locations.

Standing water due to poor drainage creates mud spots in some places between Melrose and Woodlawn, causing some concrete ties to deteriorate. One to 2 percent of the concrete ties in the six-mile section will be replaced with traditional wood ties. New stone ballast will be installed.