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NJ TRANSIT NJ TRANSIT

Hurricane Sandy Storm Damage

NJ TRANSIT continues to inspect facilities, infrastructure and equipment across all regions of New Jersey in the wake of Hurricane Sandy, as part of an intensive effort to restore the state's public transportation network to normal operations. Hurricane Sandy caused major damage throughout the state, leaving behind long-term mechanical and operational challenges that NJ TRANSIT is working tirelessly to overcome. This will take time, and the blow delivered by Hurricane Sandy will continue to impact customers for days to come.

NJ TRANSIT cancelled all service on Sunday in advance of the storm, which enabled the agency to ensure the safety of customers and employees and also allowed transit personnel to move locomotives, train cars, buses and other equipment to locations where they could be protected as much as possible from the elements. Since the storm subsided on Tuesday morning, crews have worked around the clock to inspect more than 500 miles of track, equipment yards, buses and trains sets, making repairs or clean-ups where necessary as the first step toward restoring the NJ TRANSIT network to normal operations. However, storm damage in many areas was severe, and residual impacts from Hurricane Sandy will cause many bus, rail, light rail and Access Link customers to continue to experience service suspensions, delays and cancellations on their lines.

NJ TRANSIT Rail System Highlights

 

  • NJ TRANSIT's Rail Operations Center-the central nervous system of the railroad-is engulfed in water, which has damaged backup power supply systems, the emergency generator, and the computer system that controls the movement of trains and power supply.
  • There are numerous downed trees across the rail system, which have caused damage to overhead wires and signal wires.
  • There are rail washouts across the system, including on the North Jersey Coast Line and Atlantic City Rail Line.
  • Several rail stations are flooded, including Hoboken Terminal.
  • Morgan Drawbridge on the North Jersey Coast Line in South Amboy sustained damage from boats and a trailer that collided into the bridge.
     

NJ TRANSIT Bus System Highlights

 

  • Power outages in local communities have resulted in the loss of traffic control devices critical to safe operation.
  • Downed tree limbs and power lines continue to make many roads impassable.
  • Nine of NJ TRANSIT's bus garages continue to operate on back-up generator power.
     

NJ TRANSIT Light Rail System Highlights

 

  • Newark Light Rail sustained flooding in Newark Penn Station, as well as major debris damage between Newark Penn and Branch Brook Park stations.
  • Hudson-Bergen Light Rail experienced track washouts at Port Imperial and West Side Avenue stations, as well as trees in the overhead wire in Weehawken and flooding in Hoboken.
  • River Line sustained no significant damage to equipment or infrastructure; however, due to a loss of commercial power in downtown Camden, there is no power to operate the signals and switches.