Amtrak’s disrupted Empire Line service expected to return by Friday

New York City Mayor Eric Adams announced that service on Amtrak’s disrupted Empire Line is expected to be partially restored tomorrow and back in full operation by Friday.

The rail service connecting Manhattan and Croton-Harmon was suspended on Sunday after the discovery of structural issues in a West 51st St. parking garage above the tracks.

“We believe that the services are going to be back online on Thursday, part of the return to service, and a full return to service by Friday,” said Adams during a press conference. said. “The necessary review is being done, and hopefully, we’re going to be up to full service.”

During the disruption, Amtrak passengers have been able to have their tickets honored on Metro-North trains connecting Croton-Harmon and Grand Central Station. Yesterday, Gov. Kathy Hochul issued a statement expressing her irritation over the disruption to the rail service.

“Thousands of New Yorkers rely on Amtrak service for their daily commute or long-distance travel,” she said. “I’m outraged that service between Albany and New York City has been suspended for so long, especially as we approach some of the busiest travel days of the year during the Thanksgiving holiday weekend. While we know it can be difficult to repair aging infrastructure, a delay of this length is unacceptable.”