Amtrak work causes delays for dozens of Long Island Rail Road trains ahead of upcoming tunnel maintenance.

Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) commuters faced significant disruptions on Wednesday morning following damage to the tracks caused by an Amtrak work crew near the East River Tunnel. This incident resulted in the cancellation of five trains and delays for 43 out of 62 trains that typically operate during the morning rush, as reported by LIRR President Rob Free. The damage, specifically to the third rail, was identified after Amtrak undertook maintenance work in the area.

The implications of this incident extend beyond mere inconvenience, impacting tens of thousands of riders who rely on LIRR services for daily commuting. Free stated that the incident reflects broader issues concerning maintenance practices within Amtrak, suggesting that such lapses have been ongoing and detrimental to rail service operations.

This disruption comes amid heightened tensions between LIRR and Amtrak regarding upcoming repair plans for the East River Tunnel. The tunnel, which connects Manhattan and Queens, has been in need of significant repairs since Hurricane Sandy in 2012, with Amtrak intended to take on this task. The proposed repairs involve closing two of the four tubes within the tunnel for alternating 13-month durations, effectively limiting the operational capacity of the tunnel for over two years. LIRR officials have expressed concerns that such a closure would overload the remaining tubes, potentially leading to more service delays and operational challenges.

On the morning of the incident, Amtrak workers were engaged in track stabilization near the entrance to Tube No. 4 when a section of the powered third rail was inadvertently damaged. Shortly after 6 a.m., one LIRR train encountered the affected area, breaking the contact shoes critical for power transmission. Consequently, service through Penn Station was rerouted via Tube No. 2 for the remainder of the morning. The issue was ultimately resolved by 10:58 a.m.

Amtrak has acknowledged the complications that arose from this incident, attributing the delays to work extending longer than anticipated. In a statement, Amtrak emphasized that while day-time operation poses challenges, a full tube closure is deemed necessary for efficient repairs. However, Free refuted this rationale, insisting that the morning’s disruptions stemmed from inadequate quality control rather than scheduling inefficiencies.

As the situation continues to unfold, the LIRR and its leadership are advocating for a more phased approach to the necessary repairs, suggesting alternative methods that could mitigate impact on daily commuters and enhance operational reliability. The dialogue between Amtrak and LIRR regarding the future of the East River Tunnel will be critical in ensuring dependable service for millions of riders in the upcoming months.

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