17 replies to this topic

[BillMagee]

The rebuild of the PATCO track bed across the Ben Franklin Bridge will start this Saturday (1/18/14). PATCO has issued a special construction timetable for the first phase of the work.

The Cliffs Notes version is that PATCO will single-track across the bridge each week beginning 11am Friday and ending 3:30am the following Tuesday. This will result in single-track rush hours Friday PM, and Monday AM and PM. PATCO’s operating plan is to run peak-direction trains in banks, with more or less normal rush hour headways for about 30 minutes, then a long break with no trains in the peak direction (26-28 minutes) while trains are moved back across the bridge (some deadheading). Then they will return to short headways, then another long break, etc. In the afternoon rush, a couple of eastbound trains will originate at 12th-13th, and 8th Street after one of the breaks. This Friday 11am to Tuesday 3:30am plan will continue for a couple of months at which time the other shoe drops and they go to single-track 24 hours a day, seven days a week for an additional four-month period.

A lot of thought went onto devising this complex plan, but with only one track open in the heart of the system, there is only so much that can be done. This would seem to be a situation that cries out for finally running eight-car revenue trains even if they have to add a second operator to handle door closings due to restricted visibility from the cab. It will be very interesting to see how this works out.

[KevinKorell]

Outside of totally shutting down operations over the bridge and bustituting over said bridge, there is little alternative. No doubt the bridge itself will have diminished capacity with the lanes adjacent to the PATCO track being closed for work vehicles.

[KevinKorell]

New timetable for next phase took effect 3/21/14: http://www.ridepatco...O_Timetable.pdf

It appears that they are for now leaving Mondays alone, and only impacting the Friday PM rush hour and weekends.

[BillMagee]

New timetable for next phase took effect 3/21/14: http://www.ridepatco...O_Timetable.pdf

It appears that they are for now leaving Mondays alone, and only impacting the Friday PM rush hour and weekends.

Yes, after a major outcry they cut back the single tracking. However, the real fun starts sometime after Memorial Day. That is when the bridge will be single tracked 24/7 for two months. The issue with single track is not just the lengthened schedules. It is also the zero margin for error. A single train issue can create havoc, and PATCO seems to be having nothing but train issues lately.

PATCO has taken some major PR hits over this bridge work, the ongoing escalator and elevator issues, and train breakdowns. A Twitter site has opened where riders can vent over issues, some real and some not so. When the two month shutdown occurs, things could get very interesting. I fear a major loss of ridership, and once riders leave a transit line, they are very slow to come back.

[KevinKorell]

When the two month shutdown occurs, things could get very interesting. I fear a major loss of ridership, and once riders leave a transit line, they are very slow to come back.

Given the area they serve, and being the only rail line to cross the Delaware at Center City (the Atlantic City Line crosses upstream at the Delair Bridge), there isn't much alternative. Is NJ TRANSIT planning to step up their bus service? Although from watching their Twitter feeds too, they get frequent breakdowns too. The only place the NJT Atlantic City Line would provide a reasonable alternative would be Lindenwold, where the lines meet. But the commuter trains run much more infrequently than PATCO.

Have you heard, Bill, if the trackwork will take out a lane on the Ben Franklin Bridge? That would cause more issues for those turning to buses or driving themselves to avoid the PATCO mess.

[BillMagee]

Have you heard, Bill, if the trackwork will take out a lane on the Ben Franklin Bridge? That would cause more issues for those turning to buses or driving themselves to avoid the PATCO mess.

Yes, the adjacent traffic lane on the bridge will be closed during the track shutdown.

[KevinKorell]

Philadelphia, PA Inquirer, 3/17/14:

With new schedule, PATCO tries to ease construction pain

PATCO train passengers won't have to deal with rush-hour construction delays on Mondays until after Memorial Day, the commuter rail agency said Monday.

More

[KevinKorell]

Philadelphia, PA Inquirer, 3/21/14:

More PATCO delays amid construction

PATCO rail commuters got another dose of delays and crowding on Friday evening rush-hour trains, as construction work and a broken-down train hampered service.

Go here

[KevinKorell]

Philadelphia, PA Inquirer, 4/28/14:

DRPA meetings on Ben Franklin Bridge delays

PATCO riders and motorists who use the Ben Franklin Bridge can talk to DRPA officials at three public meetings next month.

Here is the item.

Edited by KevinKorell, 25 October 2014 - 05:11 PM.

[KevinKorell]

Philadelphia, PA Inquirer, 6/19/14:

As work crews finish the demolition phase of a $103 million track-replacement project on the Ben Franklin Bridge, PATCO commuter rail ridership has dipped by more than 6 percent.

Here's more.