MANHATTAN — Metro-North service was running on a limited schedule to and from Grand Central Terminal on Wednesday the morning after a fire broke out under the tracks in East Harlem, according to officials.
The fire, about 10 minutes ago. Seems more under control now. #Harlem #fire #Manhattan pic.twitter.com/gJDYX9GDC9
— Ben Parkin (@b_parkyn) May 17, 2016
Metro- North Restores Limited Service into and Out of Grand Central. Saturday Schedule in Effect Wed. May 18. See https://t.co/OBa4yu1izk .
— Metro-North Railroad (@MetroNorth) May 18, 2016
The blaze started at West 119th Street and Park Avenue at about 6:42 p.m. after construction debris and a trailer caught fire beneath the elevated tracks on the Park Avenue Viaduct, an FDNY spokesman said.
The fire caused major delays on Metro-North trains, stranding commuters who packed into into Grand Central.
MTA crews worked through the night to mend two of the four damaged tracks on the viaduct, officials said.
As of Wednesday morning, crews were still making repairs to two tracks, but trains could pass on either side of the damaged areas at a reduced maximum speed of 30 miles per hour, the MTA said.
Expect delays and crowding, MTA officials said before urging commuters work from home or find alternative travel plans.
The MTA advised riders to listen to announcements at their stations for further updates.
The agency was also cross-honoring subway tickets for commuters.
Due to a fire at 118th St & Park Ave impacting @MetroNorth service, we are cross honoring at 125th St 4, 5; 225th St 1 and; 241st on 2 (1/2)
— NYCT Subway (@NYCTSubway) May 18, 2016
The fire was knocked down by 9 p.m. Tuesday, but an FDNY spokesman said firefighters were working to make sure no construction debris was still smoldering.
There were no injuries reported in the fire, the FDNY added.
Commuters can also check the MTA's website for service updates.
