1906 Electrification of Grand Central Terminal Designated as Historic Milestone

IEEE Milestones are given for revolutionary, historical innovations in fields covered by Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers activities, such as: electricity, electronics and information and communication. To earn the commendation, a technology must be recognized to have contributed to the development of society and industries for at least twenty-five years. The purpose of the Award is to promote public understanding of technology that has changed our world for the better. As of 2016, more than 160 IEEE Milestones have been approved and dedicated across the globe.

The bronze plaque will placed on a wall at the entrance of Track 32 and inscribed with the citation, “Grand Central Terminal Electrification, 1906 -1913.”

Grand Central Terminal, in continuous use since 1913, was the first large-scale railroad electrification project, a development that enabled it to become a major railroad terminal. The modernization transformed railroad travel from old steam engines to more efficient, clean electrical power. The design of the Terminal included several notable achievements in the field of electric traction, such as innovative designs of electric locomotives, multiple unit (MU) control of electric rolling stock and the pioneering use of underrunning third rail.

“Grand Central Terminal is rooted in a profoundly rich and important history,” said Giulietti. “Metro-North will honor the Terminal’s historic technological breakthroughs by continuing to propel the Railroad into the future. Metro-North will remain at the forefront of state-of-the-art advancements to rail safety, operating efficiency and customer communication.”