Snow and Rain Expected to Impact the Hudson Valley Starting Thursday Afternoon into Friday Afternoon; Strong Wind Gusts Forecasted in New York City
Metro-North Crews will be Prepositioned to Respond to any Weather-Related Issues
MTA Bridges and Tunnels to Implement Ban on Empty Tractor-Trailers and Tandem Trucks from 10:00 p.m. Thursday to 2:00 p.m. Friday
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) today announced that it is taking precautions to deliver safe and reliable service notwithstanding rain, winds, and snow beginning Thursday afternoon into Friday afternoon. Metro-North Railroad, the agency that will see some snow accumulations, will run a normal weekday schedule with Metro-North personnel out in the system salting platforms and staircases at stations before, during and after the storm.
MTA Bridges and Tunnels will ban empty tractor-trailers and tandem trucks beginning at 10:00 p.m. Thursday through 2:00 p.m. Friday due to forecasted wind gusts. Pedestrian walkways at the Cross Bay Bridge and Marine Parkway Bridge will be closed during this same time period; pedestrian walkways at the RFK Bridge and Henry Hudson Bridge may close depending on weather conditions. Bridges and Tunnel personnel will advise customers of any vehicle restrictions imposed due to the wind/weather and implement appropriate traffic or speed restrictions, if necessary, based on conditions.
“While Metro-North does not expect a major impact to service, we will monitor conditions for the duration of the storm, with crews prepositioned so that they can respond quickly,” said Metro-North President and LIRR Interim President Catherine Rinaldi. “Customers should still plan some extra travel time and use TrainTime for real-time updates.”
“Bridges and Tunnels is prepared for the high winds forecasted to pass through the area today into tomorrow, which pose particular concern on bridges,” said MTA Bridges and Tunnels President Daniel F. DeCrescenzo Jr. “We will be closely monitoring wind speeds and conditions at our facilities and advise motorists to avoid unnecessary travel.”
Metro-North West of Hudson service will also operate on a normal weekday schedule. Customers should anticipate scattered delays due to the weather-related conditions.
Metro-North's snow-fighting equipment is winterized, tested, and strategically positioned at facilities around the system. Protective heat circuits are being verified to be operational, air brake lines are being purged of any moisture to prevent them from freezing, and electric trains are being fitted with special third rail shoes to prevent snow from accumulating. Switches – the interlocking tracks that allow rail traffic controllers to route trains from one track to another – use electric switch heaters to melt snow.
Customers should monitor service on new.mta.info, the TrainTime app, or Metro-North's social media feeds.