MAJOR NJ Transit, Amtrak problems — suspended lines resume, but expect delays

NEWARK — Service on two of NJ Transit's busiest lines was suspended temporarily Monday afternoon because of issues related to the day's nor'easter

A fallen commercial utility line in Linden led to the suspension of the Northeast Corridor between New York Penn Station and Trenton in both directions. The North Jersey Coast Line was also suspended between New York and Long Branch. Update, 5:13 p.m.: Service resumed on both lines, but customers were expected to experience significant delays due to restricted speeds through the Linden area. 

Amtrak's Northeast Corridor service was also suspended.

NJ Transit spokeswoman Nancy Snyder said there was no indication as to when the wire would be repaired. She said NJ Transit was cross honoring tickets with NJ Transit and private bus carriers as well as PATH.

The high-tension power line in Linden, at Pennsylvania Ave. south of Maple Avenue, fell on the train tracks at about 3:15 p.m., Synder said. No one was hurt.

The Linden Fire Department evacuated one business on the 400 block of Pennsylvania Railroad Ave due to its close proximity to the downed wire. Approximately 300 passengers were stranded in Linden Train Station following the incident, Snyder said said.

Pennsylvania Railroad Ave was closed between Clinton Street and Carteret Street, but all major roadways remained, open, Snyder said.

"Officials from NJ Transit and PSE&G have assured us that they are doing everything they can to restore service as soon as possible," Mayor Derek Armstead said in a statement provided by NJ Transit. "The weather will continue to get worse as people drive home, so we ask everyone to please slow down and drive safely."

Snyder said that the Raritan Valley Line, Morris & Essex and Midtown Direct lines were not affected.

PSE&G spokeswoman Karen Johnson said that "some of our lines came down that provide power to the trains. We are on the scene and we need to work with NJ Transit to determine how to safely remove the downed wires so that train service can be restored."

As of Monday afternoon, the Atlantic City Line also remained suspended between Cherry Hill and 30th Street Station in Philadelphia because the Delair Bridge was stuck in the up position. PATCO was cross honoring as well.

Contact reporter Dan Alexander at Dan.Alexander@townsquaremedia.com

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