Why was service on NJ Transit Northeast Corridor suspended?

A drunk driver is to blame for Monday morning's suspension of service for thousands of Northeast Corridor riders on both NJ Transit and Amtrak

Wires that fell across four tracks at the Talmage Road overpass in Edison brought service to a halt around 2:15 a.m. as PSE&G crews worked to repair the fallen lines.

Their work was completed around 10 a.m. but Amtrak took another four hours before service was restored.

Edison police deputy police chief Robert Dudash said driver Bhargav Patel, 26, of Edison, was charged with driving while intoxicated after a collision that split a utility pole in half, dropping wires onto the tracks of the Northeast Corridor near Talmage Road.

Edison police said Patel tried to pass a car but hit it near the railroad tracks around 2:15 a.m. on Talmage Road. He then veered off to the right and the car rolled onto its roof.

Patel made it out of the car on his own but was taken to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick for evaluation, according to Dudash.

After noting a strong smell of alcohol, blood was drawn at the hospital and Patel was charged with DWI, careless driving and reckless driving. He was released to the custody of a family member. The other driver was not injured.

Fallen power lines on Talmadge Road in Edison 5/2/22 (NJ Transit)

Limited service resumes

Service on the Northeast Corridor resumed around 1 p.m. in both directions between Rahway and Trenton. Eastbound trains will bypass New Brunswick, Edison and Metuchen. Customers should transfer at Metropark for westbound service to these stations.

NJ Transit said the average weekday boardings at stations from Trenton to Metropark is approximately 12,800, the stations affected by the suspension.

EDITOR'S NOTE: An earlier version of this story should have said that the powerline work was being conducted by PSE&G.

Dan Alexander is a reporter for New Jersey 101.5. You can reach him at dan.alexander@townsquaremedia.com

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To vote, visit the Hall of Fame website here.

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These are the best hiking spots in New Jersey

A trip to New Jersey doesn't have to be all about the beach. Our state has some incredible trails, waterfalls, and lakes to enjoy.

From the Pine Barrens to the Appalachian Trail to the hidden gems of New Jersey, you have plenty of options for a great hike. Hiking is such a great way to spend time outdoors and enjoy nature, plus it's a great workout.

Before you go out on the trails and explore some of our listeners' suggestions, I have some tips on hiking etiquette from the American Hiking Society.

If you are going downhill and run into an uphill hiker, step to the side and give the uphill hiker space. A hiker going uphill has the right of way unless they stop to catch their breath.

Always stay on the trail, you may see side paths, unless they are marked as an official trail, steer clear of them. By going off-trail you may cause damage to the ecosystems around the trail, the plants, and wildlife that live there.

You also do not want to disturb the wildlife you encounter, just keep your distance from the wildlife and continue hiking.

Bicyclists should yield to hikers and horses. Hikers should also yield to horses, but I’m not sure how many horses you will encounter on the trails in New Jersey.

If you are thinking of bringing your dog on your hike, they should be leashed, and make sure to clean up all pet waste.

Lastly, be mindful of the weather, if the trail is too muddy, it's probably best to save your hike for another day.

I asked our listeners for their suggestions of the best hiking spots in New Jersey, check out their suggestions:

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