Downed wires suspends select Amtrak, NJ Transit rail services in Philadelphia, New Jersey, New York
Downed wires suspended Amtrak and New Jersey Transit services affecting Sunday morning travelers in Philadelphia, New Jersey and New York.
An alert sent out by Amtrak Sunday morning just before 5:30 a.m. stated "Due to downed overhead power wires blocking the tracks, service is temporarily suspended between Philadelphia and New York. Amtrak personnel are on the scene."
Hours later at around 1:30 p.m., Amtrak posted an update saying two of the four tracks were restored to regular service between New York Penn Station and Philadelphia 30th Street Station. However, the trains running on the restored tracks are operating at reduced speeds, Amtrak said.
The transit company said the morning incident also impacted trains operating from Union Station in Washington, D.C. to Boston South Station.
Riders traveling along the Northeast Corridor should expect at least 30-60 minutes in delays, according to Amtrak.
Customers whose reservations were affected will typically be accommodated on trains with similar departure times or on another day.
This is also affecting service on New Jersey Transit's Atlantic City Rail Line. The agency said services are currently suspended between Cherry Hill and 30th Street Station in Philadelphia because of the downed Amtrak overhead wires. Rail tickets and passes are being cross-honored by PATCO and substitute bus service is being provided between Cherry Hill and 30th Street Station.
This comes as AAA predicts a record number of Americans are set to hit the road, rails and skies ahead of the Christmas holiday.
This is a developing story and will be updated.
