Update 4:45 p.m.: All Metro-North service to and from Grand Central has been restored, the MTA has announced. The Park Avenue viaduct is safe and sound, and service on all four tracks and all three Metro-North lines is running. The agency notes, however, that “trains will run at reduced speeds through the collapse zone to protect nearby employees and reduce vibrations as rescue and recovery work continues.” Expect crowding and delays during the evening rush hour.
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Posted (3:55 p.m.): The latest and greatest from the MTA, as of shortly before 4 p.m. on Wednesday:
MTA Metro-North Railroad is restoring some New Haven and Harlem line service from Grand Central Terminal after an explosion and building collapse next to Metro-North’s tracks running above Park Avenue. Customers who use the Hudson Line should take the B, D or 4 subway lines to 161 St and walk to Metro-North’s Yankees – East 153rd Street station.
Metro-North structural engineers have verified the integrity of the Park Avenue elevated structure. Two of the four tracks on the structure – the two farthest from the explosion site – have been restored to service after being cleared of debris, inspected for track and third rail integrity and approved for operations by Metro-North and the New York City Fire Department.
As more tracks are restored, the level of train service will increase. Train speeds may also be reduced to protect nearby railroad workers and to limit vibrations at the explosion site.
New Haven Line and Harlem Line customers should expect crowding and delays due to track limitations, with some local and express trains combined. The track configuration does not allow Hudson Line service to operate to and from Grand Central until more tracks are restored to service. Customers are urged to delay travel until later if possible.
The subway system is cross-honoring Metro-North tickets, and the Port Jervis and Pascack Valley Lines are cross-honoring Hudson Line tickets. More as service is restored.
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