LIRR: Most lines close to on time after systemwide delays

The Long Island Rail Road is experiencing systemwide eastbound delays of about 5 to 10 minutes during the Tuesday evening rush hour the LIRR said.

The delays started about 5:30 p.m. when electrical problems caused breakdowns in the signal system in one of the four East River tunnels, LIRR spokesman Salvatore Arena said shortly before 7:30 p.m.

Amtrak, which is responsible for maintenance and repairs in the tunnels, have crews repairing the problem, he said.

By 7:30 p.m., most of the branches were close or back on schedule, according to the LIRR.

During the evening rush hour, three of the four tunnels are reserviced for eastbound trains, and with one tunnel out of commission, LIRR canceled some trains.

"When you lose a tunnel, you can't get trains in and out at the same rate," Arena said. "It's not a serious issue. People are getting out of Penn Station with five to 10 minute delays."