Unusual rail movement at grade crossing leads to sinkhole discovery in Bethel, Conn.

Public Utilities Commission of Ohio grants money for grade crossing improvements.

Operation Lifesaver, Inc.

When railroad tracks move the way they weren’t made to move, an investigation is necessary.

On June 9 a concerned citizen notified Metro-North and said the railroad track at a crossing on Greenwood Avenue in Bethel, Conn., was moving a lot while a train was moving through. After crews were sent to investigate they spotted the formation of a sinkhole right underneath the tracks. Officials say the sinkhole likely started to form a year ago following a water main repair underneath the crossing.

Metro-North rail service and a portion of Greenwood Avenue have been shut down. Crews are cutting about 50 yards of track and will be replacing railroad ties en route to installing a new grade crossing.

Metro-North is hoping to restore service by Monday morning.

Read more articles on track maintenance.