Federal Railroad officials are allowing the MTA to open its newest terminal, even without having installed a key safety technology. WNYC’s Stephen Nessen reports.

Back in October the MTA realized it wouldn’t have time to install computerized safety equipment that automatically stops Amtrak trains from entering smaller, MTA tunnels by the end of the year, when it had hoped to open the new train terminal below Grand Central Terminal. So, the MTA asked the feds for more time. This week the Federal Railroad Administration posted its decision. It will allow the MTA to open the new terminal, but it must complete six safety steps, which include submitting weekly safety reports, not allowing freight trains to use a nearby interlocking, and lowering the speed of westbound trains. Still, with about a month left in the year, the MTA hasn’t said when Grand Central Madison will open.