Massive 25-ton floodgates are being installed in New York City — and it looks apocalyptic

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November 3, 2017 8:02 PM

The gates will seal flood-prone train and car tunnels. They're designed to stop surges up to 4 feet higher than those of Hurricane Sandy.

When Hurricane Sandy hit New York City in 2012, water flooded both car and train tunnels. The water did extensive damage to the electrical systems and wall and ceiling panels of the tunnels. Some train lines were delayed or closed for months. Now, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority is installing heavy, metal floodgates that can be closed during big storms, to attempt to keep water out of the tunnels. Following is the text of the video.

Floodgates are being installed in New York City. The gates will keep flood waters out of tunnels. Many tunnels flooded during Hurricane Sandy in 2012 and there was no way to stop the water.

These 25-ton gates will block car tunnels that connect Brooklyn and Manhattan. Other gates will block subway tunnels. Along with elevators leading to the subway. Fabric will be used to cover subway stairs. Each gate is custom made to fit the opening.

Joseph Lhota: "This is not something you go to Home Depot or go to Lowes that you can buy off the shelf. It needed to be made to make sure that it was completely sealed."

The project cost $64 million. It's halfway done. When finished, the gates can be shut within 30 minutes. Hopefully, enough time to keep the tunnels dry.

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