MTA Bridges and Tunnels to Implement Ban on Empty Tractor-Trailers and Tandem Trucks Starting Sunday at 6:00 p.m.
MTA Crews Prepositioned to Respond to Weather-Related Issues
LIRR Enhancing Staffing, Monitoring Weather, Activating Incident Command Center
With high winds and heavy rain expected to impact the metropolitan area Sunday and into Monday, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) is reminding customers it is closely monitoring weather conditions and is calling additional staff to ensure safe, reliable service. MTA employees will be poised to respond to any weather-related issues, including removal of trees that may fall across tracks.
Based on the current weather forecast, MTA Bridges and Tunnels will implement a ban on empty tractor-trailers and tandem trucks beginning Sunday, Dec. 10, at 6:00 p.m. The ban is expected to be in place until 6:00 a.m., Monday, Dec. 11.
Pedestrian walkways at the Cross Bay Bridge and Marine Parkway Bridge will be closed during this time. Pedestrian walkways at the Robert F. Kennedy Bridge and the Henry Hudson Bridge will remain open as weather conditions permit.
“MTA Bridges and Tunnels is prepared for the high winds forecasted to pass through the area Sunday into Monday, which pose particular concern on bridges,” said MTA Bridges and Tunnels President Catherine Sheridan. “We will be closely monitoring wind speeds and conditions at our facilities and be ready to respond to any weather-related issues.”
On Long Island, where storm winds are anticipated to be the highest, the Long Island Rail Road is taking additional precautions by retaining buses at key locations, deploying additional staff who will be strategically positioned to be able to deal with any weather-related issues that may occur, canceling regularly schedule track maintenance work, and by opening its Incident Command Center.
“The Long Island Rail Road will be in a state of heightened readiness for this storm,” said LIRR Acting President Rob Free. “We will be monitoring conditions with continuous real-time updates, have arranged for buses as a precaution, and we will have additional field personnel strategically deployed throughout the system to be able to quickly mobilize if conditions warrant.”
Customers of all MTA services are encouraged to check new.mta.info for the latest service updates, and to use caution while navigating the system. Customers should also sign up for real-time service alerts via text or email. These alerts are also available via the MTA's apps: MYmta and TrainTime.