Passenger Trains > Situation in NYC

Came up to the City today.

As I understand it, Lines 1 and 2 East River Tunnels are still flooded, as is westbound North River Tunnel. Currently, Amtrak is taking Tracks 13 to 16 at Penn for its trains, leaving Tracks 17 to 21 to LIRR. Low side is being used by NJT and any Amtrak's turning in the station as it has no through ability for now.

Line 2 is being pumped out first and will help immensely in the restoration of service to all RR's involved because of its operating flexibility at F and Harold for Amtrak and LIRR and opening up the southside of Penn Station. Line 2 opening should help with restoring Empire service, as Lines 3 and 4 do not connect directly to the Empire Connection.

This should be followed by North River westbound and then Line 1. There is apparently significant damage to the signal system in the East River Tunnels, and initial plans for Lines 1 and 2 once pumped are to run absolute block through the tubes, which will cut capacity in half.

Many NJT trains were sunning themselves at Sunnyside and Secaucus on the Bergen-Main tracks. Never seen Penn Station so empty during the day.

I don't think Track 13 can access Lines 3 & 4