Old South Ferry Subway Station To Reopen
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) - Starting next month, the end of the the line for the 1 train will again be South Ferry.
The old station will reopen the first week in April.
The new station was destroyed by superstorm Sandy in October, when 15 million gallons of water filled the area from the track level to mezzanine, destroying all electrical and mechanical systems and components and rendering the station unusable.
"The MTA has a long, tough job ahead as it tackles the immense job of virtually rebuilding the new South Ferry terminal station that was flooded 80 feet deep during Superstorm Sandy," Gov. Andrew Cuomo said Friday. "For the extended period of time it will take for this work to be completed, we are returning the old station in the complex to service, making travel easier and more convenient for Staten Islanders and others who work and visit this area."
1 trains have been terminating at Rector Street, but will soon continue south to South Ferry, with a connection to the R train's Whitehall Street station.
Restoration of the new South Ferry station is estimated at two years.
"As MTA New York City Transit assessed the extent of damage to the new South Ferry station, it became clear that the time necessary to repair it would be too long a period to deny our customers a direct link to lower Manhattan," said MTA Interim Executive Director Thomas Prendergast. "We are working to ensure that all elements and systems are fully operational, safe and reliable before restoring service to the old station, but our primary goal remains restoring the new South Ferry station as soon as possible."
The Federal Transit Administration has reimbursed MTA New York City Transit for an initial $629,100 of recovery work at the new South Ferry station, which included pumping out water, removing debris, assessing damage and inspecting equipment.
This initial FTA funding reimburses the MTA for costs incurred during preparation for the storm through January 29. It is the first round of funding the MTA has received to help recover from Sandy and rebuild stronger.
The MTA is working closely with the FTA to pursue reimbursement for the costs of rebuilding the devastated station.
