SHAFT CONSTRUCTION FOR THE EAST SIDE ACCESS PROJECT

摘要

East Side Access (ESA) is a New York City Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) sponsored infrastructure project that will provide direct access to Manhattan’s Grand Central Terminal (GCT) for Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) customers. The LIRR trains will follow a new route from Queens via a newly constructed 5,500-foot tunnel and into an existing bi-level tunnel under the East River at 63rd Street which then travels through 5,000 feet of new tunnels under Park Avenue into a new eight-track, four-platform, bi-level LIRR terminal located under the lower level of GCT. Since the tunnels and final terminal will be located 150ft below the city streets, several vertical and inclined (30 degree) shafts of varying dimensions serving multiple purposes are being constructed to make these connections. The construction of these shafts within GCT and along Park Ave required various methods of excavation; including drill and blast, mechanical with expansive mortar and raise bore methods. This paper will discuss the reasons behind the various shaft excavation methods utilized, along with the difficult construction logistics of this project. Several unique challenges will be discussed including: access for material delivery, muck removal with work trains on the lower level of GCT; low head room clearances; excavation below historical/sensitive structures, as well as an active rail road; coordinated interface with tunnel/cavern construction; and the utilization of specialized equipment.