NEWYORK YORKDIVISION DIVISIONBULLETIN BULLETIN- FEBRUARY, OCTOBER, 2000 NEW 2006
FULTON STREET SUBWAY by Bernard Linder new technology cars were illuminated by twenty-four 72-inch and two 48-inch cold cathode fluorescent lamps. Light intensity was 15 foot-candles at the reading plane, much higher than that of the older cars. Power for the lamps was supplied from the third rail through resistors. Because fluorescent lamps do not operate well on direct current, a timer reversed the polarity frequently. The old-type windmill fans were replaced by eight 12inch bracket fans mounted two on a fixture, arranged to circulate the air around the car. The car heaters were thermostatically controlled to maintain uniform car temperature. The installation of shock absorbers improved riding qualities by dampening vibration and side sway. New-type interlocking machines using the entranceexit (NX) system were installed at Euclid Avenue and Pitkin Yard. Under the NX system, a route is set up by operating or pushing an entrance button and pushing an exit button at the point at which the train is to be moved. After pushing these buttons, all the signals and switches are operated automatically. When the route is established, a white line of light indicates that the signal cleared. As soon as the train passes the signal, the white line of light turns red. This line of light extinguishes when the rear end of the train passes the point indicated by the exit button. In the older system, a lever must be operated for every switch moved and every signal controlling movements over the switch. Under this system, several levers must be moved before a route can be established and more than one person may be needed in busy towers. The next project was the extension from Euclid Avenue to Lefferts Boulevard via the Liberty Avenue Elevated. To operate this through service, a ramp was built connecting the new Grant Avenue station with the Hudson (80th) Street station. Station platforms on the Liberty Avenue Line were lengthened to accommodate 10-car IND trains. The estimated cost of this project was $8.7 million. The Fulton Street “L” ceased operating on April 27, 1956. Buses replaced trains between Euclid Avenue and Lefferts Boulevard from 7:15 PM Friday, April 27 to 1:00 PM Sunday, April 29, 1956, after which A trains started operating to Lefferts Boulevard.
CONSTRUCTION HISTORY Construction of the tunnel between Broadway-East New York and Grant Avenue was nearly completed long before service was extended to Broadway-East New York on December 30, 1946. Installation of equipment was delayed due to the shortage of materials during World War II. Following is a progress report of tunnel construction: LOCATION Pennsylvania Avenue from Conway Street to Fulton Street
CONTRACT AWARDED
WORK PERCENT STOPPED COMPLETE
October, 1939
August, 1942
100%
Fulton Street to Ashford Street
September, 1938
November, 1941
99
Ashford Street to Crystal Street
October, 1938
November, 1942
100
Crystal Street to Grant Avenue
October, 1940
December, 1942
96
East of the Broadway-East New York station, the tunnel curves under the former East New York Depot. When the new bus garage and repair sop was built, part of the new storehouse was supported on the subway roof. A portion of the old trolley barn was removed. As soon as materials were available, equipment was installed in the tunnel and Pitkin Yard: EQUIPMENT
CONTRACT AWARDED
Escalator—Broadway-East New York station (in service July 1, 1948)
January, 1946
Pitkin Yard lighting
October, 1946
Pitkin Yard electrical work
October, 1946
Pitkin Yard heating Pitkin Yard special work Euclid Avenue station finish
November, 1946 February and March, 1946 November, 1946
The cost of this extension, including Pitkin Yard, which could accommodate 585 cars on 40 tracks, was $46.5 million. This figure includes 139 additional cars, which cost $9.5 million. Trains started operating to Euclid Avenue on November 28, 1948. Forty R-10 cars, which were just delivered, provided the additional service. These postwar
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