New Haven Branch Line Service Resumes on Sunday Schedule With Some Exceptions [Update]

Update 5 p.m.

Metro-North resumed full Hudson and New Haven Main Line service on a Sunday schedule at 4 p.m. with service on the Lower Harlem line only.

Upper Harlem, New Canaan, Danbury and Waterbury branch line services remain suspended until further notice.

Update 3:05 p.m.

Metro-North began operating a Sunday schedule at 2 p.m. on some lines, but the New Haven Line and some branch services, including New Canaan, remain suspended, according to the MTA website.

The Sunday schedule is in effect for the Hudson and Lower Harlem Lines.

The wesbsite said New Haven Line, Upper Hudson, Upper Harlem and New Canaan, Danbury and Waterbury Branch Line Services remain suspended. 

"There is still no signal and third-rail power because of downed transmission poles, trees continuing to fall and water-damaged substations," the MTA said. "Following all repair efforts, patrols trains have to operate to ensure the safety of the tracks before resuming service."

Update 12:41 p.m.

Gov. Dannel Malloy reportedly announced during a press conference at 12 p.m. that Metro-North Railroad service would start to resume at 2 p.m. Monday.

Original Story (posted 9:30 p.m. Sunday)

Saying more time is needed to assess how extensively Hurricane Irene damaged railway infrastructure, Metro-North Railroad officials announced that the New Haven, Harlem and Hudson lines will not operate on a regular service schedule Monday.

Already, rail officials say they’ve seen flooding and fallen trees throughout the area, as well as mudslides.

They also cited “no signal power on the New Haven Line likely due to fallen trees and downed power lines,” according to a statement posted Sunday night on Metro-North’s website.

Specifically, trees have fallen on three lines, stations and parking lots are flooded, transmission poles have fallen and substations suffered damage.

“Until the water recedes, we cannot fully determine the extent of the damage.

Metro-North work crews “will continue to inspect and repair the infrastructure throughout the night,” officials said on the website. “We must also get employees and equipment in place before any level of service can begin.”

Metro-North officials say they hope to restore as much service quickly, and have urged customers to monitor media sites.

Patch will have more information as it becomes available.