Train Derailment, Sinkhole Cause Travel Disruptions In North Jersey

NORTH JERSEY — Commuters faced major delays on several New Jersey transit lines after the holiday weekend, with a trail derailment in Union County and an iced-over tunnel hampering the morning commute.

Meanwhile, officials said repairs on a massive sinkhole in the center lane of I-80 East in Wharton are expected to take longer than anticipated, and there is a modified detour in place for drivers.

A freight train derailed on the Conrail-owned section of the Raritan Valley Line near Union station just before 7 a.m., New Jersey Transit said. Service was suspended in both directions between Cranford and Newark Penn Station, and resumed hourly departures from Raritan to Cranford beginning at 11:46 a.m. A modified schedule is in place.

Commuters headed to New York City on multiple lines also faced weather-related delays due to ice, with temperatures in the mid-20s and a wind chill between 10 and 15 degrees.

Amtrak Ice Patrol activity in one of the Hudson River tunnels delayed trains headed into and out of Penn Station New York, including on the Main-Bergen County, Montclair-Boonton, Morris & Essex, Northeast Corridor, North Jersey Coast, Pascack Valley and Raritan Valley lines.

And, those taking I-80 east through Morris County were greeted with a modified detour to get around a sinkhole at Exit 34. The sinkhole, which occurred on Feb. 10, measures 11 feet by 11 feet and is four feet deep, according to the DOT.

Assemblywoman Aura Dunn said Monday evening that repairs are expected to take at least three weeks, depending on weather conditions.

Dunn stated that her office received an update on the sinkhole on Monday, noting that crews have identified additional structural issues, which will require more work to fully stabilize the roadway and ensure long-term safety.