QUEENS (WPIX)—
Neighbors in western Queens near the Amtrak tracks say they are under fire from the trains. Work is being done along the tracks and it causes rocks to fall from the tracks overhead when trains pass. Neighbors showed PIX 11's Greg Mocker pieces of rock and metal that they say have fallen from the bridges and tracks. Neighbors are complaining to damage to cars and windows.Amtrak sent Mocker this statement: "Our Track Department has been replacing wood ties on both tracks on the embankments and viaducts along a 3.4-mile segment approximately between 50th Street in Queens and 139th Street in the Bronx. This segment includes the viaduct at 23rd Street. The ties at the location over 23rd Street have been completely replaced since September 18. Additional surfacing (tamping down ballast to make the track alignment smoother) has taken place since then, and a final pass will take place within the next month after all new of the new ties have been installed."
The email continued:"In another part of this maintenance project, our Track and Structures Departments have been working together to seal the top side of the bridge (below the tracks and ballast) to prevent ballast and other debris from falling through. They are installing backer rod (foam rods used to fill joints in structures) and neoprene rubber to replace failed joints between the track troughs. They also are placing new grating over the walkways that is designed to prevent spillage of track debris. Amtrak is exploring options to communicate with local police agencies about the presence of overhead track operations."
Amtrak says additional measures will be in place for the next month to prevent debris from flying off the tracks and viaducts, including using traffic cones, guards and Amtrak Police on the ground near the work to warn neighbors. Mocker did not notice any cones on 37th or 38th Street.
Assemblyman Mike Gianaris represents the area. He sent a letter to Amtrak earlier this month and is in contact with the railroad.
