1. Could you put in a picture of the "ADA compliant" area at the Halsey Street station (which side?) and say what makes it ADA compliant? - M. Aloff

We couldn't get a photo yet, but in the meantime, here's what it is. An "ADA-compliant boarding area" refers to ADA regulations that we have to meet for a platform to be considered accessible. A station can't be considered fully ADA-compliant until it meets all of the criteria, and this boarding area is one of them. So ADA is not just about elevators!

Specifically for this requirement, we will create this boarding area on the platform, usually near the conductor’s cars, by adjusting it both horizontally and vertically to meet ADA requirements. The platform is raised about 1-1.5 inches with a specific slope so a wheelchair can board the train more easily.

And to answer your last question, this improvement is being made on both sides of the platforms.

2. In the recent glamour photo, what is the middle rail in the photo? - L. Benton

It's the negative return rail. This is part of how we bring power to the trains. It works like this: substations supply voltage via positive cables to the third rail. Then the power returns through the negative rail to the negative return cables. Photo here for reference.

3. The Ave B substation project started 2 years ago this month. Why has it taken so long, and when will you be done? - anonymous

TBH, we haven't gotten into the weeds of the substation because we thought you wouldn't find it that interesting. We're glad we were wrong, though.

With substations, we're building a large structure, just underground. And we're digging down about 35 feet for the one at Avenue B, which is nearly the height of a three-story building. Then we have to bring the materials in and actually set them up. So it takes time.

The structure itself is complicated and unique. It's like a mini electrical power station underground (read "Explainer: What's a substation anyway?" for more details). That means the structure has to be extremely deep, extremely secure and extremely dry. Right now, we're in the process of bringing in the equipment underground (did you see last week's glamour shot of the giant fans we delivered? That photo was taken from inside the new substation). We'll have an update soon about when you can expect our work to go fully underground.

4. How deep under the water is the L tunnel? - anonymous

It's actually under the riverbed of the East River! The L tunnel, named the Canarsie Tunnel, opened in 1924 and is located beneath the riverbed. It was built by digging through the riverbed (largely by hand), constructing cast-iron rings to form the tunnel. A concrete layer was constructed around the rings to seal it. 

5. Your L project weekly #30 contains an error in my opinion. The 7 train is not "isolated". It can switch to the Astoria line at Queensboro Plaza. - C. Petkanas

(Reference link: L Project #30) Okay, we should have been more specific. When we use the term "isolated," we mean that it doesn't share any operating track with another train. Thanks for the feedback though. We'll be more clear and less transit-speaky going forward.

6. When will the elevator at Avenue A be available? - anonymous

There are actually TWO elevators going in near Avenue A, one on either side of 14th Street. The base structure and steel is already in, which you may have seen if you've been in the neighborhood lately. These are in our schedule for fall 2020 completion, but we'll update you if that changes.

7. Is it feasible to publish more detailed drawings/illustrations of how each station getting renovations will look after renovations and additions are complete? - S. Bookman

For sure. Bedford Av and 1 Av are seeing the most major changes, so we made renderings of these before we started the project. You've likely seen these photos on our vinyl fence wrap around the construction site. Below is one that shows an artist rendering of how the finished Bedford Av Station mezzanine expansion could look.

8. It would be useful if you also had information about the L Project on your website like you do in this newsletter. - anonymous

We agree! Go here: https://new.mta.info/l-project

9. Why have no additional cars been added to the G train? - JD

We covered this in excruciating, numerical detail in a previous issue. Our planners are still hiding from us in hopes that we don't engage them in another G-train themed game of 20 questions, so please read this first. If you still have questions, send us another comment.

10. Will there be a roof installed over the 1st Ave stairway on the L line as is the case for the new 2nd Ave subway? Also, if not what will MTA do to prevent flooding down these stairs as is the case now and safety protection from ice, sleet and rain for customers? - W Oddo

Your premise is right—the easiest way to keep water off the rails is to not let it down in the first place. Based on our planning, the most effective way to keep water out is to properly seal off the street vents. We've been doing this since 2014, and are actually done with this part of the project! You can read more about it here, in "ICYMI the L is already better prepared for future storms." Bottom line is, no there won't be exactly the same design, but water will be kept out of the system in a different, effective way.