From the latest VRE customer communication/e-mail
Train Talk — News You Can Use
August 6, 2010 12:12 PM
Last Night's Service Disruption
We would like to extend our sincere apologies to our entire ridership for the severe service disruption yesterday afternoon. A combination of weather related issues and a freight train derailment caused significant delays to both lines of service.
At approximately 3pm yesterday (a half hour before our first afternoon rush hour departure), a coal train derailed near Quantico and five cars fell on their side, effectively ripping up the tracks and halting all rail traffic through that point. We immediately notified riders of the derailment and our plans to operate Fredericksburg Line trains as far as Rippon and have bus shuttle service to Franconia/Springfield for Quantico and stations south.
Because VRE does not have any buses, we called all the transit agencies in the area and OmniRide, Fairfax Connector, FRED, and Quick. They responded well despite the fact that they were in the middle of their own rush hour plagued with traffic and weather problems. They gave us all the buses they could on short notice. At the same time, Amtrak was working to get buses for their stranded passengers. Unfortunately, buses were in short supply. While the waits were long, and in the rain, we were able to get everyone to their final destination.
The storm not only soaked the passengers waiting at Franconia/Springfield for the buses, but knocked down trees and spread debris on the tracks near Crystal City. CSX halted all traffic north of Crystal City and worked as quickly as possible to get the tracks cleared in that area while dealing with the derailment near Quantico. The storm also knocked out power at the Alexandria station, causing our communication system there to go down.
Once rail traffic started moving again past Crystal City, our Manassas Line continued to be affected by the storm. There were reports of downed trees on Norfolk Southern tracks. To add to the difficulties, the National Weather Service issues a flash flood warning, which resulted in speed restrictions. Our Manassas Line trains were only permitted to operate at a maximum speed of 20mph.
For those still on the train past Franconia/Springfield, rail congestion and downed trees caused significant delays for some trains as they proceeded south. We know it can be frustrating to sit on a train with little information. Unfortunately, in most cases, there was little information to give. The trains simply had to wait their turn.
As we worked through the evening, it became evident that we would have to cancel all Fredericksburg service for Friday August 6th , and we relayed this information via Train Talk, our website, the automated phone service, and various media outlets such as radio and TV stations as well as print media. CSX is working to repair the damaged tracks and expects at least one track to be open later today.
To put it simply, it was a bad day yesterday. Derailments, power outages, downed trees affected us, Amtrak, CSX, and Norfolk Southern. The storms also disrupted Metrorail service while traffic on the highways lasted for hours. We understand that this is only the latest in what seems to be a long string of delays lately. Please know that we are working around the clock to mitigate and control the elements we can improve on. CSX should have the tracks repaired around Quantico in time for service Monday; however, there will most likely be speed restrictions imposed on that area until it is deemed safe for trains to operate at full speed. We appreciate and thank you for your patience.
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http://traintalk.vre.org.
