LIRR: Expect normal p.m. commute after broken rail in a.m.
LIRR commuters wait at the Mineola station as a broken rail in the East River tunnel caused westbound delays and cancellations during the morning rush on Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2016. Credit: Howard Schnapp
A normal evening rush is expected for Wednesday commuters, following morning train delays and cancellations resulting from a broken rail in one of the East River tunnels, a Long Island Rail Road spokesman said.
Amtrak crews had the broken rail repaired by 10 a.m., the spokesman said.
The LIRR sent an alert about 10:15 a.m., saying it was on or close systemwide after trains had been diverted from Penn Station, canceled at Jamaica station or delayed en route.
LIRR spokesman Salvatore Arena said the broken rail was discovered between 5:30 and 6 a.m. When such issues arise, the LIRR has a plan to divert trains based upon the reduced access to tunnels, he said.
Several trains heading into Penn Station were then canceled at Jamaica station or diverted to the Atlantic Terminal or Hunterspoint Avenue stations, the LIRR said.
Normally, about one-third of the morning westbound trains can be affected when tunnel access is reduced from four to three, he said.
In all, 51 westbound trains were delayed six minutes or more during the peak commute, including six canceled trains at Jamaica, Arena said.
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