Newburyport/Rockport Line snarled by train broken down in tunnel
"Newburyport/Rockport trains are experiencing significant delays in both directions," the MBTA Commuter Rail said on Twitter.
An inbound Newburyport/Rockport Line train broke down near Salem Station Thursday, snarling the morning commute for rail riders with reported delays of over an hour.The train, which left Rockport Station at 6:30 a.m., was bound for North Station. Commuter rail officials reported the issue on Twitter at 7:25 a.m.
Rockport Line Train 104 (6:30 am from Rockport) is stopped near Salem due to a mechanical issue and is currently 10-20 minutes behind schedule.
— MBTA Commuter Rail (@MBTA_CR) January 30, 2020
Officials then said Train 156 originating from Newburyport would connect with with the broken-down Rockport train, which commuter rail officials later said was stuck in the Salem tunnel.
Update: Newburyport Train 156 (7:00 am from Newburyport) will assist disabled Train 104 and is expected to operate 25-35 behind schedule en route to North Station.
— MBTA Commuter Rail (@MBTA_CR) January 30, 2020
Hi, Kris. These are new signs awaiting full configuration before we can turn them on. Train 106 is coming up shortly in a couple of minutes, but there’s a train stopped in the tunnel just south of Salem with a mechanical issue. You may have to hold for the traffic ahead. ^ME
— MBTA Commuter Rail (@MBTA_CR) January 30, 2020
Salem is a single-track station, so both inbound and outbound trains were stuck as a result, according to an official aboard one of the line’s stopped trains.
While train crews had the trains hooked up, commuter rail officials said “there’s an issue creating a secure connection with the two trains.” Another train’s crew stopped nearby was attempting to help.
There’s an issue creating a secure connection with the two trains. The crew from Train 191 sitting on the adjacent track is trying to help. ^ME
— MBTA Commuter Rail (@MBTA_CR) January 30, 2020
Officials then said at 8:16 a.m. that the entire line “may experience significant delays” because of the broken train.
Newburyport/Rockport Line trains may experience significant delays due to disabled Train 104 being assisted by Train 156 south of Salem Station caused by a mechanical issue. Individual alerts will be sent as needed.
— MBTA Commuter Rail (@MBTA_CR) January 30, 2020
Follow live updates below:
https://twitter.com/MBTA_CR
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