Breaking News - Roosevelt Island Tram Modernization Program Postponed Until September - Will Remain Open For Summer

Image of New Tram Design From RIOC

BREAKING NEWS regarding Roosevelt Island Tram. The Tram will remain in service throughout the summer. The Tram modernization program and shutdown of service originally scheduled to begin July 6, 2009 has been postponed until September 2009.

I had been hearing rumors of possible delays in the Tram Modernization schedule so I inquired of RIOC President Steve Shane:

At the last Operations Committee meeting you indicated that Poma might be having some difficulties meeting the planned July 6 start date for the Roosevelt Island Tram Modernization Project. You also indicated that you would be meeting with them to learn the status of the project. What happened?

Subsequent to the Ops meeting, I have heard from several individuals that Poma is having difficulties meeting the schedule and that the start date for cessation of Tram Service and the beginning of the Modernization Project has been postponed to August.

Is that true? Has the start date been postponed from July 6 and if so what is the new date and how does this impact the entire project?

Mr. Shane repllied:

See my column. As of today, tentatively postponed until September, to reopen February. Will finalize decision tomorrow. All parties are here in our office for progress meeting.

Excerpt from his column that will appear here later in week and in the May 30 Main Street WIRE below:

3. Tram: The birthday of the Tram was celebrated on Monday afternoon, May 18th. Cake was served and a videographer interviewed residents for Tram stories. The kids did their own signboard birthday card. Overhaul: The schedule for a July 2009 shutdown and December reopening seems to be shifting. The Contractor, POMA, has requested sliding the window of closure to accommodate redesign changes in the structural elements, principally the tower heads and the necessary bracing. Design and fabrication of the various elements is well advanced. Spools of cable have been shipped from Europe. Final details of cabin design are completed and fabrication is underway. Scheduling of tower reinforcing and top replacement, cable pulling, street and park closures, crane locations, etc. with permitting for everything is ongoing, but is dependant on the schedule as established. My best guess is a shutdown in September and a reopening in February. Better coordination with architectural work at the two stations will result. I met again with Community Board 8 on May 5. Architectural work for Tram stations is proceeding. A preliminary sketch of the Manhattan and Island stations will be posted as it is an evolving concept....

I always wanted to say BREAKING NEWS!

UPDATE - 5/30 - Mr. Shane adds:

Pretty sure will be closing after Labor Day and reopening early February. More precise details as available. No closure July 6. Same aperture of closure.