NJ transit and Amtrack Track Fire.

N.J. Railroad Bridge Fire Could Mean Chaotic Commute
No Injuries Reported

UPDATED: 11:35 pm EDT May 12, 2005

KEARNY, N.J. -- A fast-moving fire engulfed a railroad bridge in northern New Jersey Thursday night, disrupting New Jersey Transit and Amtrak service on the Northeast Corridor.

The fire broke out around 7:30 p.m. at the base of Amtrak's Portal drawbridge over the Hackensack River between Secaucus and Kearny. The cause was not immediately known. No injuries were reported, authorities said.

Rail service was suspended between New York's Penn Station and Newark's Penn Station. It was not clear when it would be restored.

The fire apparently started in wood pilings beneath the trestle and flames spread across a pier supporting one end of the structure.

The fire was declared under control at about 10:30 p.m., but firefighters on the bridge and in boats beneath it were still working to extinguish the flames.

NJ Transit was cross-honoring rail tickets on its bus lines to assist commuters, and the PATH commuter rail line was also cross-honoring NJ Transit tickets.

NJ Transit was running trains Thursday night between Newark and Trenton on the Northeast Corridor main line and between Newark and Long Branch on the North Jersey Coast Line. PATH trains were providing service between Newark and Manhattan. Midtown Direct trains were being diverted to Hoboken.

Amtrak passengers were being diverted to PATH trains for travel between Newark and New York.

Re: NJ transit and Amtrack Track Fire.

Re: NJ transit and Amtrack Track Fire.

Is that under control now?

Re: NJ transit and Amtrack Track Fire.

OMG!!!
What's up with all the transportation problems yesterday???
Scary.

Re: NJ transit and Amtrack Track Fire.

Oh my gosh..I didn't think it was that bad. I had issues commuting this morning..and probably for a while until that gets fixed. Wow!