Friday, March 17, 2023

Revisiting a transformative Sunday on Avenue A

Photos by Stacie Joy

Last weekend, Con Ed and its contractors — Bay Crane, Five Boroughs Flagging Corp. — closed off parts of Avenue A to install a new transformer at the substation between Fifth Street and Sixth Street.
It was an elaborate operation to hoist the 188,000-pound (!!!) transformer and its components, such as a radiator, from flatbeds on Avenue A and across the substation to its position in the back. EVG contributor Stacie Joy donned a hard hat to document the special delivery...
Here's a look at the newly in-place transformer in the alleyway/driveway behind the substation between Fifth Street and Sixth Street (which people always stare into while on a smoke break outside Sophie's) ...
No word yet when Con Ed will wrap up this work. Crews are still working behind the scene. In one development, one of the three porta potties was removed from the Fifth Street side (maybe drop it off at Tompkins?).

Meanwhile, there's word this process will happen all over again with another transformer delivery this fall. 

8 comments:

creature said...

Great shots. That crane work is impressive.

Pinch said...

Fortunately for all, Stacie's EVG press pass gets her some exclusive access!

Grieve said...

@Pinch

Like backstage at Key Food's Keyapalooza!

Anonymous said...

Stacy, thank you for a great article and being such a pleasure to talk to.

Anonymous said...

Yes it does! Stacie is the Best!

Anonymous said...

Legendary photographs. Fabulous documentation of neighborhood history!

Anonymous said...

Great stuff.
I wish I knew what all this transformation actually achieves though. Was the old equipment just worn out? Does this increase or stabilize service in the neighborhood? Was there a problem that this solves?
Just curious.

Anonymous said...

Thanks Stacie for the great pics and insight reporting. Those cranes are amazing. Glad you were able to be at the scene!