Oh, there has been talk of this for years...The main problem that (didn't) surfaced over the years was all the tunnels for subways, sewers, water, telephone, electricity, heat, and whatever else meant that either they would have to be altered, moved. or blocked (based on what they know existed, or knew existed, or what they feared existed but a lot of what they have no idea exists!) and the number of deep cellars and foundations of skyscrapers which can be up to a third the height of the building, so the line would have to go so much deeper than the distance would actually allow.
As for how long it took from the city to New Rochelle where the line from GCT met the line from NYP, it is 16.3 miles from GCT AND 18.8 miles from NYP. Hell Gate bridge itself is not movable but the Pelham Bridge is and is about 3 and a half miles east of Hell Gate.
RIDEWITHMEHENRY is the name for our almost monthly day of riding trains and transit in either the NYCity or Philadelphia areas including all commuter lines, Amtrak, subways, light rail and trolleys, bus and ferries when warranted. No fees, just let us know you want to join the ride and pay your fares. Ask to be on our email list or find us on FB as RIDEWITHMEHENRY (all caps) to get descriptions of each outing.
In the current Trains Karl Zimmermann in Ageless Grand Central Kicks Off Its Second Century reminds us that most of the New Haven's named trains (such as the "Merchants Limited" and the "Yankee Clipper)" ran between New York and Boston. One change Amtrak made is that almost all northeast corridor trains rum from Boston to Washington and a number run beyond Washington. Of course the Pennsylvania ran its own New York and Washington Service. An advantage Amtrak gives us is that it is never necessary to change stations in New York. (Does those red and green lights at Times Square that lead you to the Grand Central Shuttle still exist?)
No doubt never having to change stations is an improvement; yet it seems to me that reaching the Shore Line from Grand Central Terminal was faster than the route from Pennsylvania Station over the Hell Gate Bridge, even when I am lucky and the bridge is closed to ships. I wonder if there is any possible way to have a direct connection between NYP and GCT. Does anyone know if this could be accomplished?
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