NEWARK, N.J. — NJ Transit rail service experienced delays Thursday following congestion caused by a disabled Amtrak train in one of the Hudson River tunnels leading into Penn Station New York, according to officials.
The disruption led to residual delays on multiple NJ Transit lines, as trains already en route were held or slowed due to the blocked tunnel. Service has since resumed with most lines operating on or near schedule.
“Following earlier congestion from a disabled Amtrak train in one of the Hudson River tunnels, NJ TRANSIT rail service is operating on or close to schedule into and out of Penn Station New York with residual delays to trains already enroute,” NJ Transit posted on X, formerly Twitter.
The Hudson River tunnels are a key rail link between New Jersey and Manhattan, used by both NJ Transit and Amtrak. The exact cause of the Amtrak train’s disablement has not yet been disclosed, and Amtrak has not provided further comment.
Commuters reported crowding on platforms and brief train holds across the system. No injuries were reported as a result of the incident.
Ongoing infrastructure issues highlight tunnel vulnerability
The Hudson River tunnels, built over a century ago, have long been a source of concern for transportation officials due to aging infrastructure and high volume usage. Both Amtrak and NJ Transit rely heavily on the tunnels for daily service.
Delays in the tunnel often have systemwide effects across NJ Transit’s Morris & Essex, Montclair-Boonton, and Northeast Corridor lines. Thursday’s incident highlights the ongoing vulnerability of the corridor to service interruptions.
Efforts to build new tunnels as part of the Gateway Program continue, but full project completion is not expected for several years.
