Tim O’Reilly and Jen Pahlka have wisely been promoting the distinction between politics and government.
This is what government does, it looks like the people who are rooting around in tunnels full of floodwater and electricity. I’m grateful for (not to say dependent on) everything they are doing.
NEW YORK’S (partially) FLOODED SUBWAYS: what we currently know.
Slathered around the news media has been the quote that seven of the east river tunnels are currently flooded out. The subway system uses 10 east river tunnels. Best I can figure, the non-flooded tunnels are mostly between Queens and Manhattan, those being the 53rd, 59th and 63rd street tubes, carrying the E/M; N/Q/R; and F trains respectively.
I do have reports that the Clark(2,3), Cranberry(A,C), Joralemon(4,5), Steinway(7), and Rutgers(F to bkln) tunnels are flooded. EDIT: the 14th st (L) tunnel is flooded as well. The status of the Montauge(R to bkln) tube has not been disclosed, but its location indicates that flooding is likely.
The above graphic is from the New York Times, and shows circled stations currently known to be flooded and pumping operations underway.
Pumping out has begun at the Joralemon, Rutgers, Clark and Steinway tubes, carrying the 4/5, F, 2/3 and 7 Trains respectively.
In no small way, the subways are the arteries of NYC’s lifeblood. The workers, who are actually risking life and limb to restore these services are truly unsung heroes of NY’s efforts to restore normality.
