Leaning pole delays trains near Farmingdale

A leaning utility pole near the Farmingdale LIRR Rail Road tracks is delaying westbound trains and will likely be replaced by the afternoon, LIPA officials said Wednesday morning.

Long Island Rail Road trains are reducing speed on the westbound tracks near Farmingdale because of the pole, which is leaning away from the tracks, spokesman Sal Arena said.

Some eastbound trains to Farmingdale also could be affected, he said.

Gusting winds Tuesday night and early Wednesday morning apparently pushed over the utility pole, LIPA spokeswoman Vanessa Baird-Streeter said. She said the repair was "precautionary" and that service to customers would not be interrupted.

The new pole will likely be installed by about 2 p.m., she said.