Update: Metro-North Service Returns with Scattered Delays

Metro-North has resumed off-peak service on its New Haven line, with scattered delays of up to 15 minutes, according to MTA Spokesman Sam Zambuto.

Train service into and out of Manhattan was interrupted for approximately three hours after a fire started underneath the Park Avenue Bridge, which spans the Harlem River.  

Zambuto said that two of the bridge's four tracks are currently in use. 

"Assessment is continuing on the other two tracks," Zambuto told Patch. The two tracks are sufficient for off-peak demand, but until the condition of those tracks is determined, no decisions have been made about this afternoon's rush hour."We'll be putting out information about the rush hour a little bit later,' Zambuto said.

For the duration of the fire and while engineers were inspecting the bridge's structural integrity, Metro-North trains were traveling only as far as the Yankee Stadium station.  Commuters were switching to and from subway trains at that point.

"Now that service is restored we're not doing that any longer," Zambuto said. "However if there is an impact on rush hour that may change."

The Yankees will be playing the Tampa Bay Rays at home tonight.  The first pitch will be at 7:05 p.m.

UPDATE: 1:55 p.m.

The Park Avenue Bridge fire has been extinguished.

MTA spokesman Kevin Ortiz told Patch, "We have engineers at the bridge checking the structural integrity of the bridge, and a decision will be made -- pending the outcome of the engineers -- when we will be able to run trains on the bridge again."

Ortiz said there is "enough capacity on the (subway) trains to meet demand for customers heading up to Yankee Stadium" at this time, but rush hour demand has not yet begun.

Jim Cameron, Chairman of the Connecticut Rail Commuter Council sent an e-mail message to Patch, with his advice for Connecticut and Westchester residents currently in Manhattan. "If you're in New York City, start heading home, now!" he said.

According to Cameron, "The Yankee Stadium service alternative is very limited and the crowding will be intense."

UPDATE: 1:45 p.m.

Metro-North is reporting that all service this afternoon and probably this evening will be staged out of the Yankees - E 153rd Street station. Customers should take the #4 or D subway to 161st Street and walk west to the new Metro-North station.

MTA is cross honoring Metro-North Railroad tickets and passes for southbound travel. Northbound customers will have to buy a MetroCard.

Original Story

MTA service into and out of Manhattan has been suspended indefinitely while a fire underneath the Park Avenue Bridge that spans the Harlem River continues to burn.

"A fire on the structure underneath the Park Avenue Bridge broke out at 11:45 a.m.," MTA Spokesperson Aaron Donovan told Patch. "As far as we know there have been no reports of injuries."

Trains are traveling as far as Yankee Stadium where passengers can transfer to the D or 4 subway line, Donovan said. New Haven trains are also stopping at the Woodlawn station at 233rd St. in the Bronx, where passengers can transfer to the Number 2 subway line.

Donovan said they are not sure if service will be restored in time for tonight's rush hour. "We hope to have service back as soon as possible, but it will take some time to assess the damage," he said.