Deep in South Brooklyn, there is a 4 track subway tunnel that is very familiar to anyone who has performed contract work for the MTA.
The Training
This set of subway tracks is where any construction crews working in or around MTA tunnels are trained on the ‘Does and Dont’s’ of working around live, moving subway trains. The MTA contracts out construction work to many outside companies, and plays landlord to some others, such as Verizon and Con Ed, who may have cables running through or around subway tunnels. For these contractor employees to be ‘track certified’, they need to be trained under MTA supervision. That training, takes place here. In a live subway tunnel.
The Layup
At night, and during extreme weather, subway trains are also parked (or laid up) here. It is a convenient place to store the extra trains that are not used late at night, when trains run less frequently.
It’s also a convenient place for photo shoots, though I’m 100% sure this type of activity is frowned upon…
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