After a work train came off the tracks in the Empire Tunnel late Thursday, delays backed up into Friday commutes for hours before finally getting back on track in the afternoon. NBC New York’s Ken Buffa reports.
A rail work train derailment in the Empire Tunnel in Manhattan impacted Amtrak service for certain trains in and out New York Penn Station since Thursday night, but as of Friday afternoon, operations are back to normal, according to Amtrak.
At about 11:16 p.m. Thursday, a work train carrying cement derailed in the Empire Tunnel, Amtrak says.
The cause is still under investigation, according to the agency. However, as of about 1:07 p.m. Friday, the track was restored for typical speed, service and operations.
Although no injuries were reported, service was impacted in and out of New York Penn Station for trains traveling to or from Albany and other points north on the Empire Line, Amtrak said, adding that trains to and from Boston were not affected.
Many passengers looking to either get away early for the long weekend, or head to their Valentine's Day plans, were stuck waiting and hoping they would be able to leave soon.
"We've just been waiting here like stand-by, like 'We'll let you know,'" said Nancy Sicardo, from the Lower East Side. She said anytime an employee was asked for information, the response was less than helpful.
"I'm upset, but I'm not surprised. I don't have high expectations for Amtrak," said Chelsea resident Francesca Mainella.
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Among the trains impacted were: Empire Trains 230 and 232. These two trains will terminate at Yonkers, while Empire Train 233 will originate at Yonkers.
Amtrak passengers were accommodated on Metro-North trains from Grand Central Terminal to YNY, the agency said.
Additionally, Train 234 was cancelled, and Trains 63 and 69 will combine to operate as one train between New York Penn Station and Albany, where it will then resume as two trains at Albany, according to Amtrak.
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