Harlem Building Collapse Prompts Metro-North Service Suspension - No Trains In or Out

[Jagi]

A building collapse at 124th Street and Park Avenue has prompted the MTA to shut down all train service in and out of Grand Central Terminal. Metro-North's Dan Brucker told WCBS 880, "We don't know how long the closure will last. We have been told by the police not to have any trains run through the 125th Street station."

That's probably because the authorities are concerned that vibrations from the trains will affect the building. The building at 102 East 124th Street partially collapsed a little after noon, and then later the entire building collapsed. The building next to it, 100 East 124th, is in danger of collapsing and will be demolished immediately. It's believed the buildings, which are owned by Kushner Companies, are vacant - no injuries are reported.

All trains are being held at stations above 125th Street. About 80-90,000 people using Metro-North during rush hour, which means that when (if) service resumes, there will be some crazy delays. Additionally, WABC 7 reports, "some equipment will be out of position because it is now stuck outside of Grand Central Terminal."

And it looks like the MTA website is currently down back up: "Hudson, Harlem and New Haven Line train service has been temporarily suspended into and out of Grand Central Terminal because of a building collapse in the vicinity of 124 Street and Park Avenue." And from the NYC Transit alert, "Also, due to a building collapse in the vicinity of 124th Street and Park Avenue affecting Metro-North Railroad Service in and out of Grand Central Station, New York City Transit is cross-honoring Metro-North Railroad ticket holders at the Marble Hill-225th Street Station, Wakefield-241st Street Station, 233rd Street Station and the Grand Central-42nd Street Station."

Expect a mob scene at Grand Central. In fact, we're getting reports that there are crowd control issues at Grand Central. And streets around the collapse have been closed, as the Buildings Department and emergency services are on location.

Some commenters had good suggestions for trying to get out of the city, but WCBS 880 reports bussing may be a dream: "Brucker says no way to bus people around there, wouldn't make a dent in that crowd. One bus holds 50 customer, while one train holds 1,200 customers."

http://gothamist.com/2008/03/04/harlem_building_3.php

 

[Jagi]

Re: Harlem Building Collapse Prompts Metro-North Service Suspension - No Trains In or

Grand Central Metro-North Service Restored After Building Collapse​

March 04, 2008

Service into and out of Grand Central on Metro North has been restored following an earlier suspension of service this afternoon prompted by a building collapse near 124th Street and Park Avenue.

The collapse, classified by the Fire Department as a second alarm, "major collapse," was first reported around 12:30 p.m.

Customers should still expect extensive delays of up to 90 minutes and crowded conditions on trains as we resume service. They are are advised to listen for announcements in Grand Central Terminal and at outlying stations in the event of service changes.

Train traffic was suspended in the area shortly after 3 p.m., leaving thousands of commuters wondering how they would get home tonight. Dozens of trains that were heading into Grand Central were stopped at train stations along the line for over an hour.

It's unclear if New York City Transit is still cross-honoring Metro-North Railroad ticket holders at the Marble Hill-225th Street Station, Wakefield-241st Street Station, 233rd Street Station and the Grand Central-42nd Street Station.

The building that collapsed was apparently vacant, according to firefighters at the scene. No injuries have been reported. Initial reports indicate two of the building's walls and several interior floors have partially collapsed.

A deputy fire chief says the building may be torn down if the Department of Buildings decides to do so.

The Park Avenue northbound is closed from 116th Street to 125th Street; Park Avenue southbound is closed from 125th Street to 122nd Street; and 124th Street is closed from Madison to Lexington Avenues.



http://www.ny1.com/ny1/content/index.jsp?stid=1&aid=79082