Metro-North crews repair tracks, service returns to Harlem Line

Written by Jenifer Nunez, assistant editor

Metro-North train service resumed on the Harlem Line February 5 for the first time since a collision February 3 between a passenger train and a vehicle near Valhalla Station in Valhalla.

 

“The MTA is working non-stop through the night to rebuild the damaged section of track and restore service in time for the morning commute,” New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo said February 4. “I want to thank everyone for their tireless efforts in the wake of this devastating accident. My thoughts and prayers remain with the family and friends of the victims of Tuesday night’s tragedy during this painful time.”

The accident had forced Metro-North to suspend service between Pleasantville and North White Plains relying on buses to successfully bridge the gap for thousands of customers while investigators from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) conducted the initial on-site component of their investigation.

The NTSB gave Metro-North permission to clear the wreckage from the crash site and workers using a hi-rail crane removed the damaged automobile January 4. A locomotive was then attached to the south end of the disabled M-7 train and the eight-car train was towed to the Metro-North yard in North White Plains.

Workers from Metro-North’s Power, Track and Signal Departments then began the task of rebuilding some 500 feet of electrified third rail. Workers also had to repair damaged circuits, inspect the running rail and test signals damaged in the accident and subsequent fire.

 

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