A mechanical failure caused commuting problems on Metro-North on Thursday morning when a bridge would not close.
Metro-North said gear failed during overnight testing of the bridge around 3:30 a.m. and Walk Bridge near South Norwalk was stuck open for much of the morning commute.
More on the issue is posted here.
The rail service was unable to operate between East Norwalk and South Norwalk, there was no eastbound train service from Stamford and there was limited westbound service from South Norwalk to New York as crews worked to make repairs.
Temporary repairs to Walk Bridge were made just before 9 a.m., so Metro-North was able to re-establish train service, but here were delays through the morning period because of heavy train congestion.
Metro-North is investigating the cause of the failure.
Metro-North said the bridge is 118 years old, but the state has invested more than $1.5 million in recent years to improve bridge reliability.
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“The failure of the Walk Bridge in Norwalk causing yet another significant service delay for rail commuters this morning further underscores the urgent need for immediate investment in our aging rail infrastructure," U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal said in a statement on Thursday morning. "I support the Connecticut Department of Transportation’s effort to secure federal Sandy Resiliency Project funds to repair this 117-year old bridge and other critical, dated infrastructure along the New Haven Metro-North line. I will do everything I can to support this application, and to urge the Federal Transit Administration to expedite its decision and funding ahead of its stated fall deadline. Connecticut commuters simply cannot wait for safe, reliable rail service.”
There was also a problem along the Waterbury Branch because of mechanical difficulties, but train service will resume for the 9:12 train leaving Waterbury.
