NEC Service Disruption 5/2/22 - power outage

[AmtrakMaineiac]

I don't know if this is the right thread to post this, but there are major service disruptions on the NEC this morning between Rahway and Trenton NJ due to a power outage near Edison NJ. It appears that an auto struck a pole at an underpass under the railroad. So far 640, 642, 180, 2151 and 2152 are reporting disruptions. NJT is affected also of course.

 

[jis]

The road in question is Talmadge Road.

everything is still halted. They are speculating early afternoon for things to start up. I am waiting for 91 in the NY Met Lounge.

Amtrak’s Train Status page turns out to be pretty useless during such outages.

 

[AmtrakBlue]

The road in question is Talmadge Road.

everything is still halted. They are speculating early afternoon for things to start up. I am waiting for 91 in the NY Met Lounge.

Amtrak’s Train Status page turns out to be pretty useless during such outages.

I hope I don’t meet you in the lounge.

 

[jis]

A bunch of utility power line wires landed on the catenary shorting everything out. The catenary itself is not damaged. They are working on removing the utility stuff. That involves installing a temporary replacement pole apparently.

 

[jis]

Here is what happened in a photo

 

[joelkfla]

No power in Edison. As they used to say in the comic books -- how ironic!

 

[caravanman]

Talmadge road eh?
Wow, it's a bit spooky that it should happen today... Norma Talmadge was BORN on this date in 1894!

 

[west point]

Here is what happened in a photo

View attachment 28303

The problem could have been mitigated somewhat if the new utility national standards had been followed. Around here any utility lines crossing any road, other power lines above or below have to be guy supported. The poles that support lines crossing must be guyed so any pole will be pulled away from any crossing. That is obviously not the case in the picture. The power lines shown here appear to go above CAT but below high voltage (169k) lines.
Any location on the NEC should have any lines buried under the tracks. In this case under the sidewalk thru conduit. That includes power, phone, cable lines.

 

[jis]

Trains are starting to board. The floodgates open

 

[Steve4031]

Trains are starting to board. The floodgates open

Two hour delay? Not bad. At least you will be sitting in your room or the diner on the way back to Florida.

 

[jis]

Well 91 is just pulling in. It will be closer to three hour delay by the time we actually leave I think. There were five trains ahead of us.

 

[AmtrakBlue]

Well 91 is just pulling in. It will be closer to three hour delay by yhe time we actually leave I think. There were five trains ahead of us.

I was just going to ask if you boarded yet since Amtrak’s status seems behind.

 

[jis]

Just got to my room.

and we are off. 2:50 late

 

[jis]

Just passed the location. They have installed a new pole and the wires are hanging off of it but are yet to be suspended from the insulators.

 

[jis]

You can see the released floodgate flow!

 

[AmtrakBlue]

Oh to be at NRK this afternoon to catch the action.
But here I am riding a train instead.

 

[Ryan]

If this call would wrap up, I'd go watch the parade.

 

[jpakala]

Besides guying or such, why wouldn't such a pole be protected by crash-proof bollards?

 

[railiner]

Here is what happened in a photo

View attachment 28303

What I noticed, was how NJT made sure to mention that it was "due to Amtrak overhead wire issues"...
Standard press release practice between Amtrak and its various tenant lines, quick to point the finger at each other, even if justified...

 

[jis]

Besides guying or such, why wouldn't such a pole be protected by crash-proof bollards?

Maybe JCP&L or whoever owns that transmission line can answer

 

[jis]

What I noticed, was how NJT made sure to mention that it was "due to Amtrak overhead wire issues"...
Standard press release practice between Amtrak and its various tenant lines, quick to point the finger at each other, even if justified...

Nothing is ever NJT’s fault. That is the first rule of NJT’s media management group.

The second rule is - Even when it is NJT’s fault it is not NJT’s fault

They feel quite relieved when following the rule does not involve bald faced lying I suppose.