Unless you’re a firefighter, the term “standpipe” is probably foreign to you. The water-carrying pipes are, however, life-saving devices in confined spaces – especially the tunnels Amtrak uses getting into New York City.
The impact both Hudson River and the four East River tunnels have on New York City’s economy and its surrounding areas is significant. Considering the complexity of the tunnel system, the infrastructure must support rail traffic under every conceivable circumstance, railroaders explain.