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NJ Brush Fires Lead to Commuter Chaos for NJ Transit, Amtrak Riders During PM Rush Hour
As of 3:44 PM ET: Crescent Train 19, which departed New York (NYP) on 3/22, is holding south of Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) due to fire department activity along the route ahead. We will provide updates as information becomes available.
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As of 3:55 PM ET: Silver Meteor Train 97, which is scheduled to depart New York (NYP) on 3/22, will be delayed departing due to fire department activity near the tracks along the route ahead. We will provide updates as information becomes available.
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Seeeeeesh
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NEW JERSEY
NJ Brush Fires Lead to Commuter Chaos for NJ Transit, Amtrak Riders During PM Rush Hour
Amtrak trains in and out of New York City were suspended due to the fires; NJ Transit also issued notice informing passengers that Northeast Corridor Line rail service was temporarily suspended, but has since returned with limited service
By NBC New York Staff • Published March 22, 2023 • Updated on March 23, 2023 at 12:58 am
Multiple brush fires erupted in New Jersey Wednesday afternoon causing major headaches for Amtrak and NJ Transit riders coming into and out of New York City, as several lines suspended service for hours as a result of the flames and smoke.
A brush fire in Edison appeared to be precariously close to vehicles and train tracks. A Middlesex County official said the flames were started by sparks coming from a freight train. Footage from Chopper 4 showed firefighters battling flames stretching a couple hundred yards just a matter of feet from the railroad tracks. Most of the fire was put out before 5:30 p.m., but the risk of flare-ups remained for the night.
Meanwhile, another fire broke out in Matawan, consuming old railroad tracks near Park Avenue and Orchard Street, according to the state's forest fire service. The flames engulfed an old railroad trestle in a wooded area, according to officials and footage from Chopper 4, and was mostly extinguished by 5 p.m., with firefighters putting out hotspots throughout the night.
The fires forced Amtrak to suspend all service between NYC's Penn Station and Philadelphia just before 5 p.m., freezing all service in Central Jersey. Service remained suspended through 6 p.m., and multiple trains were either canceled or had their final destinations altered.
Trains finally started moving once again after 7 p.m., albeit at "restricted speeds" after hours of delays. Operations were said to return to normal in the area after 8 p.m., though with trains dealing with hours of delays.
{snip}
NJ Brush Fires Lead to Commuter Chaos for NJ Transit, Amtrak Riders During PM Rush Hour
Amtrak trains in and out of New York City were suspended due to the fires; NJ Transit also issued notice informing passengers that Northeast Corridor Line rail service was temporarily suspended, but has since returned with limited service
By NBC New York Staff • Published March 22, 2023 • Updated on March 23, 2023 at 12:58 am
Multiple brush fires erupted in New Jersey Wednesday afternoon causing major headaches for Amtrak and NJ Transit riders coming into and out of New York City, as several lines suspended service for hours as a result of the flames and smoke.
A brush fire in Edison appeared to be precariously close to vehicles and train tracks. A Middlesex County official said the flames were started by sparks coming from a freight train. Footage from Chopper 4 showed firefighters battling flames stretching a couple hundred yards just a matter of feet from the railroad tracks. Most of the fire was put out before 5:30 p.m., but the risk of flare-ups remained for the night.
Meanwhile, another fire broke out in Matawan, consuming old railroad tracks near Park Avenue and Orchard Street, according to the state's forest fire service. The flames engulfed an old railroad trestle in a wooded area, according to officials and footage from Chopper 4, and was mostly extinguished by 5 p.m., with firefighters putting out hotspots throughout the night.
The fires forced Amtrak to suspend all service between NYC's Penn Station and Philadelphia just before 5 p.m., freezing all service in Central Jersey. Service remained suspended through 6 p.m., and multiple trains were either canceled or had their final destinations altered.
Trains finally started moving once again after 7 p.m., albeit at "restricted speeds" after hours of delays. Operations were said to return to normal in the area after 8 p.m., though with trains dealing with hours of delays.
Link to tweet
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