Crime & Safety
Service Restored on New Haven Line
Wire damage knocks out service to three of four tracks — and the fourth was already closed.
Service along Metro-North's New Haven Line has been restored after more than eight hours of interruption due to extensive wire damage.
The problem began around 3 Saturday afternoon. Pantographs, the arms that connect up to the electrical lines, got snarled on two trains on separate tracks within 30 minutes. One of the four tracks was already out of service and the two incidents, which happened around 3:15 p.m. and then again at 3:45 p.m. west of Greenwich, Conn., caused all trains to halt.
Dan Brucker, Metro-North spokesman, said the damage was extensive.
Find out what's happening in Port Chesterwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
The recent heat wave may have played a role, but no cause has been released.
Some passengers were forced to remain on trains for several hours and crowds at Grand Central struggled to find alternatives. Buses and shuttles were put into operation Saturday evening but even then trips took anywhere from 60- to 90-minutes longer. Amtrak trains between New Haven and New York City were also affected.
Find out what's happening in Port Chesterwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Despite the restoration, New Haven line service on Sunday may still be slow so customers are urged to check the MTA website first. The agency is experiencing problems with its customer phone line.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
