The MTA on Wednesday began inspecting thousands of metal baskets under 60 miles of elevated subway tracks in response to dangerous incidents of falling debris.
MTA NYC Transit President Andy Byford said, “I take such incidents extremely seriously and have directed my team on an ongoing basis to take all necessary actions and expend all resources to prevent debris from falling from elevated structures. In addition to post-incident inspections, we are taking aggressive action to proactively prevent debris from dislodging and to catch it if it does come loose. Any of my team found to be derelict in maintaining or inspecting safety equipment, including elevated structure containment baskets, will be held fully accountable.”
To help combat the falling debris, Byford on Wednesday launched a seven-day inspection blitz, to hand-check each metal basket. Inspectors will check out all 325,000 baskets by hand.
Additionally, transit officials will be reviewing video footage of the elevated structures.
The inspections come after an incident Tuesday in which a 15-pound D-Wedge (used for keeping spacing between rail and guardrail) came to lose and fell from an A line. It was reported that the basket was not properly secured at the time. CBS reports that the wedge fell onto the back of a cab but did not harm anyone inside, just gave them a scare.
Prior to that incident, on Oct. 23, a bolt came loose near the NW line near Queensboro plaza. The MTA reported that the metal basket was misaligned, and disciplinary actions have been taken.
In addition, the netting has been added to elevated structures at four test sites. Those sites include:
J/Z: 121st Street and 111th Street, Jamaica
N/W: 39 Ave station, Astoria
7: 61 St-Woodside station, Flushing
1: 125 St station, Broadway
