Limited Metro-North train service has been restored into and out of Grand Central Terminal on Wednesday morning, just hours after a massive four-alarm fire at a local business at 118th Street under the railroad's Park Avenue Viaduct.
But Metro-North personnel was continuing to make repairs early Wednesday morning to a section of the viaduct, which requires the two inside tracks to remain out of service.
Trains on Metro-North's Hudson River, Harlem and New Haven Lines will be able to safely operate on the two outside track of the viaduct with train speeds reduced from 60 mph to a maximum allowable speed of 30 mph.
A Saturday schedule will remain in effect for Wednesday on all three lines from New York and Connecticut. Customers should click here for the schedules page or check a timetable for schedule information.
Train riders should expect delays and extremely crowded conditions on Wednesday morning. Customers are encouraged to work from home if possible or find alternate travel plans.
Metro-North crews worked throughout the night and made repairs, restoring two of the four tracks for the morning rush hour. Crews inspected all elements, including the supports, track, power and signal, and ran test trains to ensure safety.
Customers should continue to check the website and Daily Voice for any updates, and listen for announcements at stations.
Train service had been suspended because of the fire since about 11 p.m. Tuesday.
Service into and out of Grand Central had been suspended as a result of smoke conditions caused by a string of propane tank explosions under the tracks at East 119th Street and Park Avenue, the MTA said.
The blaze broke out about 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, No injuries were reported, and the majority of the fire was contained by 8:30 p.m. The duration of the evening commute was badly disrupted by the blaze.
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