Metro-North Shut Down by Storm Damage

FAIRFIELD COUNTY, Conn. — Metro-North, which suspended service Saturday before the storm hit, has been damaged in many areas by Tropical Storm Irene, according to railroad spokesmen. A full assessment of the damage will be conducted after high winds subside.

All Metro-North service remains suspended in Connecticut and New York until the MTA can assess the damage to its infrastructure, according to a notice on the MTA website.

Marjorie Anders, a spokesman for the MTA, said power lines went down at the New Haven and New Canaan rail yards. "It's going to be a big effort," Anders said. "It's very much a major episode here." The MTA has only initial reports from the field, she said, and does not yet have a systemwide assessment. The hurricane also caused damage to electrical equipment.

“Right now, there are strong winds that are still out, and we need to make sure employees can safely make assessments,” said Sam Zambuto, a spokesman for Metro-North. “At this point, obviously, service remains suspended until we can determine what issues there will be to restore service.”  

According to the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, reports of flooding and downed trees and power lines “wreak havoc on the MTA’s signals, tracks, stations, under-river tunnels, catenary wires and other infrastructure.” Fallen trees along the New Haven Line are reportedly blocking road access to many stops along the route and interfering with signal power.

The New Canaan branch of Metro-North sustained extensive damage from the storm, Gov. Dannel Malloy said midday Sunday.

In New York, two electrical substations on the Harlem Line are out of service, and the bridge over the Croton River is under water.

How will your travel or commute be affected by the Metro-North shutdown? Comment below or email ahelhoski@mainstreetconnect.us.

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