Burst Pipe To Blame For Power Outage On Lower Level Of Grand Central Terminal
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- The MTA says trains will resume operating on a regular weekday schedule Tuesday morning, but with residual delays following a partial power outage at Grand Central Terminal.
The 47th Street exit at Grand Central Terminal will also be closed Tuesday as work to restore power in that section continues.
Power was knocked out around 9 a.m. Monday due to the broken pipe inside a transformer house, transit officials said.
The lights stayed on in the main concourse and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority said passengers and workers were escorted to the upper level when the outage occurred.
"We've just been waiting to hear when it's going to go back on and for safety reasons, we have to go exit and they're not really sure when its going to come back on," Zabar's Market employee Eric Musial told CBS2's Magdalena Doris.
"There was like nobody down there. I'm just trying to follow the crowd," said commuter Nicholas Plescia. "They were really no lights, it was mostly just kind of dark."
Lamar Singleton works at the terminal selling audio tours and said he's used to losing power in his booth from time to time.
"So when the power went out, I said, 'Oh great, the power went out again' but then I looked out the window and everything was gone," he told WCBS 880's Stephanie Colombini.
For the more than 60 retailers impacted by the blackout, the outage means a loss in sales and spoiled food.
"It's going to be a good amount of product especially for all the other businesses in the market too but hopefully it goes on soon," Musial said.
Authorities quickly cordoned off the areas, even locking one entrance with a pair of handcuffs, 1010 WINS' Juliet Papa reported. In a tweet, Grand Central said all stores and Lexington Avenue entrances were closed until further notice.
The outage impacted ticket machines, but MTA spokesman Aaron Donovan said trains continued to run on the upper level. When buying tickets, passengers are asked to pay in cash at the terminal or use credit or debit cards on the train.
"The trains that would have used the lower level instead are using the upper level. There is plenty of capacity on the upper level today with the Saturday schedule in effect," Donovan told 1010 WINS.
Trains are on a Saturday schedule for Presidents' Day, according to the MTA.
The MTA says power is gradually being restored and it expect to have it fully back by tomorrow's morning commute.
