I never got around to sharing this for some reason, but I developed an improved track layout over the summer for Penn Station, with help from @A320Lga, that would allow for an increase in capacity from Gateway without Penn South. /1 https://twitter.com/bensh__/status/1335685667385462785

This plan doesn't widen any of the platforms, but focuses on redoing track switches in the stations throats. A new relay terminal would be created for the LIRR, and a higher-capacity stub terminal would be created for NJT trains from Gateway on Tracks 1-4 (no Penn South) /2

Through running would eliminate complex movements over slow switches & conflicts between trains entering/leaving, allowing for ↑ service. Ladder tracks would be replaced w/ straighter shots & trains would be separated by direction. Double-slip switches could be eliminated. /3

Trains to/from the North River Tunnels would use Tracks 6-13 for through running, getting straight shots through the station. Eastbound trains would use 6-9, and Westbound trains would use 10-13. /4

To increase capacity on the LIRR, crossovers would be constructed west of the station to allow trains to relay and head back to Long Island. 21/20 would be feeders for the yard, 19/18 feeders for relay, 17/16 for trains coming out of relay and 15/14 for trains out of the yard. /5

To sum up, Amtrak and NJT through running trains would use Tracks 6-13 (6-9 EB, 10-13 WB), NJT stub-end trains from Gateway would use 1-4, LIRR trains would use 14-21 (14-17 EB, 18-21 W/B). Empire Corridor trains would use Track 5. /6

East River Tunnels 1 and 2 would be for Amtrak and NJT through-running service, while Tunnels 3 and 4 would be for the LIRR. /7

The simplified track layout would allow for faster speeds in the throat (trains currently are limited to 10 mph), capacity would increase, maintenance costs would decrease (fewer moving parts-switches) and operations would be simplified. /8

These improvements are predicated on the construction of additional staircases on Tracks 1-12 to reduce dwell times, and the extension of the Western Concourse to serve Tracks 1-4. /9

I would love to hear your thoughts. Feel free to ask my any questions you have. /10 @2AvSagas @sandypsj @alon_levy @bensh__ @yfreemark @nilocobau @2235astoria @mattyglesias @c3pohara @MarketUrbanism

Here are non-GIF versions. @EfficientAG