Van Bramer Calls for Expanded Safety Netting After More Debris Falls From 7 train

Twitter @jimmyvanbramer

Aug. 22, 2019 By Shane O’Brien

Council Member Jimmy Van Bramer has called on the MTA to expand the safety netting under the 7 train after another piece of debris fell from the elevated tracks in Woodside on Wednesday.

A chunk of metal fell from the elevated subway line close to the 52^nd Street-Lincoln Avenue station on Roosevelt Avenue yesterday morning, according to Van Bramer.

Van Bramer was alerted to the incident by a constituent and took to Twitter to emphasize the need to expand the safety netting beyond the 61^st Street station before someone gets seriously injured.

The MTA installed netting at the 61^st Street station last month after a spate of incidents involving falling debris. The netting is 600 feet long and 50 feet wide and provides the only protection from falling debris along the 7 line.

“Once again, it’s clear that the netting that has been installed at 61^st Street needs to be expanded along the entire 7 line before someone gets hurt. We must ensure the safety of all residents in Woodside and across our city,” said Van Bramer in a separate statement.

Debris struck two cars near the 61st station in February and March, prompting calls for the MTA to install netting. In one incident, a wooden beam fell from the tracks near 65th Street and pierced the windshield of a vehicle below. No one was injured.

The netting at 61st Street was installed as part of a pilot program launched in July. Netting has gone up near the 39th Avenue N/W station and two other stations across the city. The MTA is testing their effectiveness.

The MTA said the area around 51st Street and Roosevelt where yesterday’s incident took place is safe and that the agency has already conducted an inspection.

“The object that fell reflects no structural risk but is obviously a serious matter,” the MTA said in statement. “This area was re-inspected Wednesday to ensure that there are no other loose pieces there.”

A constituent reported to me this morning that another chunk of debris fell from the 7 train on Roosevelt Ave between 51st & 52nd St in #Woodside. Once again, it’s clear the netting that has been installed at 61st St needs to be expanded along the 7 line before someone gets hurt. pic.twitter.com/IA4IJKbCXc

— Jimmy Van Bramer (@JimmyVanBramer) August 21, 2019