The Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) sent out the following advisory at 7:09 PM tonight:
Please be advised that the Tram will be closed on Sunday, February 24th to facilitate required maintenance work. Service will resume with one cabin in operation on Monday, February 25th at 6 AM.
What are my travel alternatives?
Red Bus Shuttle service will be available to and from the Manhattan Tram Station on Sunday, February 24th from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM, beginning from the R.I. Tram Station.
Red Bus Shuttle pick-up locations:
Manhattan: Southwest corner of 58th St. and 2nd Ave.
Roosevelt Island: Tram Station Plaza
MTA subway F line (mta.info) and the NYC Ferry service (ferry.nyc) are available to and from Manhattan.
Q102 MTA Bus service is also an option to connect to Midtown Manhattan-bound trains at Queensboro Plaza.
Why is this work happening?
The Roosevelt Island Tram is undergoing two major maintenance projects, consisting of rope relocations and gearbox overhauls. This required work is to ensure the safest transportation system possible and to extend its service life into the future.
How do I get updates?
To receive transportation updates, visit rioc.ny.gov and sign up for Island community advisories.
The Roosevelt Island Youth Center presents- Inventors, Activists and Influencers: A Black History Month Celebration!
Saturday, Feb 23rd, 2-4 PM at Sportspark, 250 Main Street.
Come join us for an afternoon of Art, Music, Dance, and More! The event is FREE and open to the public.
During the February 9 Gallery RIVAA Black History Month celebration, Roosevelt Island Youth Center participants gave a preview of tomorrow's celebration
Bad news, as previously reported, due to a major Roosevelt Island Tram Overhaul project, only a single Cabin will be operating each day for at least 12 weeks starting last February 14.
Also, the Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) announced at yesterday's Operations Advisory Committee meeting that the Tram Overhaul project
will need to expand the work staging area to include the Tram Station middle platforms on both the Roosevelt Island
and Manhattan sides. As a result, for safety precautions, the middle platforms on both sides will be closed.
During the current work on the North Tram cables, Tram passengers will load and unload on the South Platform.
Since the MTA Metrocard turnstlyes will not be moved, Tram passengers will ride for free while the middle platforms are out of service. RIOC estimates approximately $750 Thousand in lost Tram revenue during this period.
When work begins on the South Tram cables, there will be some days when no elevator service is available at the Manhattan Tram Station. RIOC plans on running the Red Bus Express when elevator service is out.
Will have more later on these Tram changes that are expected to begin next week, perhaps as early as Monday.
The Roosevelt Island Tram is scheduled to undergo two major maintenance projects that will reduce operating service to one cabin only beginning on February 14th and continuing for at least 12 weeks, the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation (RIOC) announced.
Track cable relocation, phase 1 of the work, is a safety requirement of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) for aerial tramways and gondolas operating in the United States.
As per the safety regulations (ANSI B77.1), the Tram is required to relocate its track cables after a pre-determined amount of time. RIOC’s Tram contractor Leitner-Poma, who totally rebuilt the Tram’s infrastructure nine years ago, will perform the work.
The timeline is subject to change depending on weather conditions and the conditions found within the equipment during the relocation. During that time, one cabin will be taken out of service, starting with the North cabin.
“Much like a car that has recommended maintenance at pre-determined intervals, we are that point with the Roosevelt Island Tram,” said RIOC CEO and President Susan Rosenthal.
“We apologize in advance for the inconvenience this may cause. But this effort is to create the safest transportation system possible and to extend its service life into the future,” Rosenthal said of the Tram that since 2016 has transported more than 10 million commuters. “We appreciate your patience and assistance with this important maintenance project.”
Track cables are basically the “road” that the Tram cabin runs on. Each track cable does have movement with every trip of the tram to allow for expansion and contraction, but for the most part the cables are fixed in a single location on each tower. Over time, this location is subject to more wear and bending actions than the other locations, which is the reason the cable is periodically relocated.
Each track cable also contains fiber optic lines inside the core, which the Tram uses for communications and controls. This fiber optic line must be cut and re-terminated following the track relocation.
There will be periods of shutdown for both cabin systems during the actual movement of the rope, during tensioning and during the fiber optic changeover, but the plan is to conduct this work late at night and during normal overnight shutdown periods.
Leitner-Poma crews will be working seven days per week to complete the work as quickly as possible.
The second phase of work consists of four gearbox overhauls (inspecting and replacing internal parts such as the gears, bearings, seals and oil changes). This work will start as soon as Phase 1’s track cable relocation is complete. The schedule may change depending on the construction of needed parts and the impact of the federal government shutdown of the overseas import of those parts.
The duration of Phase 2 is estimated to last four to six weeks. During that repair, the Tram will be running daily on a one-cabin reduced capacity.
WHY ARE GEARBOX OVERHAULS NEEDED?
Each cabin is pulled by an assembly of two gearboxes. Due to the age of the gearboxes and following the gearbox failure on the North tram last August, Kissling AG, the original gearbox manufacturer and a leader in the industry, has recommended to proceed right away with the overhaul of all four gearboxes.
To help facilitate Island residents’ commutes during this period, RIOC will operate Red Bus shuttles between 58th-Street-and- Second-Avenue in Midtown Manhattan and the Roosevelt Island Tram Station during the weekday afternoon peak commute, 3 PM - 8:30 PM.
In discussions with the Metropolitan Transportation Authority which operates the New York City subway and bus system, RIOC officials received assurances this week that there will be no disruptions to the subway’s F Train line that services Roosevelt Island, including weekends up until April 19.
Additional service will be provided via the E Train line, weeknights March 18 – March 22 and March 25 – March 29; and all four weekends March 23 – April 25.
RIOC has also asked NYC Ferry officials to consider expanding ferry service – to and from Roosevelt Island, Queens and Manhattan - during the weekday peak periods and weekends; and is awaiting their response.
More information about this project, updated Red Bus shuttle schedules and project timelines will be posted at rioc.ny.gov. Please forward additional questions or inquiries to info@rioc.ny.gov.
Another transportation option is Roosevelt Island ferry service on the Astoria Route. Here's the Winter Schedule for Roosevelt Island ferry service.
UPDATE 6:15 PM - According to RIOC:
Leitner-POMA, operators of the Roosevelt Island Tramway and the entity responsible for scheduled maintenance work, have notified the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation (RIOC) that, due to safety concerns, there will be changes to the construction set-up and site-plan. While this will not extend the overall timeline for the scheduled work, it will affect accessibility to both the Manhattan and Roosevelt Island Tram platforms.
In addition, this work will necessitate four (4) separate days of a complete Tram shutdown throughout the planned 12 week project. Leitner-POMA has assured RIOC that they will provide notice at least 48 hours prior to any shutdown. Due to the changes requiring an expanded footprint to the construction site-plan for both stations, the following guidelines will be put in place to ensure safe and efficient service for all passengers while this work is being done:
Passenger Entry and Exit Patterns at Tram Station Platforms- Signage will be placed on both platforms to direct passengers entering and exiting the Tram. Due to the limited standing room on the Manhattan Tram station platform, passengers will be queuing on street level. Leitner-POMA and Roosevelt Island Public Safety officers will help provide directions to passengers entering and exiting both stations.
Manhattan Tram Plaza Elevators- There will be limited accessibility to these elevators during the construction period. Passengers with mobility limitations are encouraged to utilize alternate transportation options which include: F train, Ferry (Astoria Line), Q102 MTA Bus, Red Bus Shuttle, or to contact the Public Safety Department at 212-832-4545 in the case of an emergency. Transportation and information links can be found on our website at rioc.ny.gov.
MTA Machines and Turnstiles- During a period of the project schedule, passengers will not have access to turnstiles and MetroCard machines. The purchase of Metrocards will not be available on either side during those times.
Roosevelt Island Station Restrooms- Temporary restrooms will be available near the Roosevelt Island Tram station and will remain for the duration of the project.
“We understand that these changes will have a negative impact on daily travel plans, but our foremost concern is the safety of our riders,” said Susan Rosenthal, CEO and President of RIOC. “We will make every effort to keep a timely flow of passenger travel and implement updated procedures, when necessary throughout this project, to keep delays to a minimum.”
To receive the most timely updates on this project, we encourage residents and riders to visit rioc.ny.gov and sign-up for RIOC community advisories. You can also submit a concern or provide feedback regarding this project through the Report a Problem link on our website. For any additional inquiries, please call 212-832-4540.
Below is video of RIOC Operations Advisory Committee discussion yesterday about the Tram Overhaul project.
UPDATE 7:45 PM - RIOC sent out the following advisory at 7:09 PM tonight:
Please be advised that the Tram will be closed on Sunday, February 24th to facilitate required maintenance work. Service will resume with one cabin in operation on Monday, February 25th at 6 AM.
What are my travel alternatives?
Red Bus Shuttle service will be available to and from the Manhattan Tram Station on Sunday, February 24th from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM, beginning from the R.I. Tram Station.
Red Bus Shuttle pick-up locations:
Manhattan: Southwest corner of 58th St. and 2nd Ave.
Roosevelt Island: Tram Station Plaza
MTA subway F line (mta.info) and the NYC Ferry service (ferry.nyc) are available to and from Manhattan.
Q102 MTA Bus service is also an option to connect to Midtown Manhattan-bound trains at Queensboro Plaza.
Why is this work happening?
The Roosevelt Island Tram is undergoing two major maintenance projects, consisting of rope relocations and gearbox overhauls. This required work is to ensure the safest transportation system possible and to extend its service life into the future.
How do I get updates?
To receive transportation updates, visit rioc.ny.gov and sign up for Island community advisories.
Good Evening, @Rooseveltisland! Thank you for letting us know. We will contact our partners at the city that manage the landings so they can send a team to the barge with salt. Have a great evening! -M
It's snowing today. Where do Roosevelt Island kids go to sled now the the Southtown Riverwalk Hill no longer available because of construction of new building? pic.twitter.com/eYtU1DVejX
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that a meeting of the Operations Advisory Committee of the RIOC Board of Directors will be held on Thursday, February 21, 2019 at 5:00 P.M. at RIOC Capital Planning and Projects Office, 680 Main Street, Roosevelt Island, New York.
AGENDA:
5:00 P.M. – 6:00 P.M.:
Chair’s Motion for Executive Session to Discuss:
a. Pending Litigation
b. Vendor’s Performance under the Contract Financial History of Corporation
6:00 P.M.:
1. Gift of Art Sculpture
2. Landscaping Request for Proposal
3. Lighthouse Bridge Repair (Emergency)
4. Tram Track Rope Project
5. Octagon Field Construction award
6. Sportspark Design Request for Proposal
7. Blackwell House Interior Restoration for Saratoga Associates Change Order 4 & 5
8. Motorgate Assessment and Graphics - Lawrence Group
9. Any Other Committee Business that May be Brought Before the Committee
***
The Open Meetings Law of the State of New York requires that all public bodies conduct meetings, convened for the purpose of officially conducting public business, in a manner open to attendance by the general public to observe and listen.
My understanding is that the art sculpture gift is a large 30 foot statue of a Dollar Bill sited on land next to Octagon Field near the Tom Otterness Marriage of Real Estate and Money sculptures in East River.
The car and station heavy duty cleaning program is an essential component of the Subway Action Plan and coordinates with other Subway Action Plan initiatives. It was launched in December 2018 and work is getting underway this month. The Subway Action Plan allocated approximately $200 million to the overall car and station program. This element of the car and station program involves numerous contractors to perform a one-time blitz targeting 100 priority stations and up to 3,000 cars - for intensive cleaning and refurbishment. Funded by the Subway Action Plan, the plan is to show demonstrable results over the next several months. Once refurbished, regular procedures can maintain the higher level of condition and service. An additional goal of the program is to give NYC Transit and its permanent workforce insight into new techniques, processes and materials that may enhance NYC Transit’s operations for many years to come.
UPDATE 4:15 PM - The Twitterverse asks:
Does anyone know if there are plans to fix the water leaks onto the platform? The tiles can get quite slippery.
Last Saturday night, a Roosevelt Island resident reported the following incident at the Roosevelt Island Tram Circle (picture taken Sunday afternoon).
According to the resident:
Did anyone else just hear or witness the explosive noise (and subsequent smoke) near the north side of the tram station? My concierge thought it involved a car chase and someone else thought she saw a gun.
The concierge says the main car spinning out over and over was a high end Mercedes. I could only see the smoke (after the noise) off to the east side of my bldg and at least 2 men run to a red truck, get in the truck, and drive off super fast.
The concierge says someone was outside walking their dog while the main car (Mercedes?) was doing circles, and she thought they were pointing guns at one another. The smell of burning rubber was in our building after that.
After I visited with the concierge about it, I came back to my apartment and 30 minutes later decided I should let the Roosevelt Island police know about the red car that I could see out my window (not the main car involved per the concierge). When I called the police to give the details he said that their patrol had just completed, and the area was fine. I tried again to explain that the incident was 45 minutes prior but that I thought they should be on the look-out for the types of cars involved. The person I was speaking with was not interested in details.
It was 10:30pm on a warm Saturday night so anyone could have been hit through recklessness (if that is all it was). I wish the police had been interested in hearing these details.
A Tram rider saw the incident and added:
It was some lunatic doing donuts with their car at the roundabout near the tram. It happened as I was boarding it earlier.
I saw the tire marks very clearly from the tram cabin. Likely someone recklessly showing off their new ride. Some people really don't deserve a license.
Another witness reported seeing a car speeding down East Main Street past Riverwalk Building at over 50 mph.
Roosevelt Island's Main Street Theatre & Dance Alliance is hosting a Broadway Boot Camp during this week's school winter recess for students in Grades 1-8.
Roosevelt Island is a mixed income, racially diverse waterfront community situated in the East River of New York City between Manhattan and Queens and is jurisdictionally part of Manhattan. The Roosevelt Island Tramway, which connects Roosevelt Island to the rest of Manhattan, has become the iconic symbol of Roosevelt Island to its residents.
The Purpose of this Blog is to provide accurate and timely information about Roosevelt Island as well as a forum for residents to express opinions and engage in a dialogue to improve our community.
