The delays of 40 minutes or more that you may have experienced this morning resulted from a number of separate incidents.
The first significant problem occurred at approximately 6:30 AM on the drawbridge in South Norwalk. After a required opening of this drawbridge for the United States Coast Guard, ice from the recent heavy snowfall and subsequent freezing temperatures jammed the locking mechanism, preventing us from safely operating trains. Although emergency crews immediately responded to remove the ice and ensure that the bridge was closed and locked, this work took an hour to accomplish successfully before we could restore train service.
Shortly thereafter, the sub-freezing temperatures along with snow and ice dropping from underneath trains combined to prevent several of our vital track switches from operating correctly. Additional crews were sent to these locations as well, both to clear the switches and de-ice the switch mechanisms and help get trains through the areas safely.
Lastly, 6 trains became disabled because of weather-related problems at various points along the right-of-way, further limiting our ability to operate train service.
These incidents during the height of the AM Peak combined to cause significant train congestion and resulting delays.
We regret any inconvenience you may have experienced and appreciate your patience.
Customer Information Center:212 532-4900