2 replies to this topic

[KevinKorell]

Delaware River Port Authority and PATCO officials are keeping a careful watch on the path of Hurricane Irene and the possible impact it could have on the region.

Flooding and high winds could result in the temporary closing of the Walt Whitman, Ben Franklin, Commodore Barry or Betsy Ross Bridge and suspension of PATCO train service.

DRPA CEO and PATCO President, John J. Matheussen, says "safety is our number one concern. When wind speeds reach 35 miles an hour an empty tractor trailer and motorcycle ban is imposed on the Commodore Barry Bridge and possibly other bridges as well. As winds increase a decision will be made on whether to keep a bridge open taking into account the safety of our customers and our employees."

Matheussen adds "the issues PATCO may have to deal with include power outages, trees or debris on tracks and flooding of the third rail." If there are high sustained winds PATCO will operate at reduced speeds.

Matheussen concludes by saying "we are monitoring Hurricane Irene closely and a command center will be established at 9pm on Saturday as staff from Public Safety, Engineering, Bridge Operations and Administration will determine what if any action needs to be taken at a moment's notice."

In advance of the storm, the decision was made to close the Ben Franklin Bridge pedestrian walkway on Saturday and Sunday. The RiverLink ferry also will not operate on Saturday or Sunday.

The Delaware River Port Authority is a regional transportation agency. DRPA owns and operates the Benjamin Franklin, Walt Whitman, Commodore Barry and Betsy Ross Bridges, and PATCO. The DRPA also owns the RiverLink Ferry.

[KevinKorell]

Whoops they are now following the lead of other area transit providers and throwing in the wet towel.

PATCO President, John J. Matheussen, has announced PATCO will be suspending service late Saturday night into early Sunday morning with the last train leaving Lindenwold at 11:30pm on Saturday, August 27, and the last train leaving 16th & Locust at 12:05am on Sunday, August 28.

Depending on the severity of the storm, PATCO hopes to resume service Sunday Afternoon, August 28.

Matheussen points out SEPTA and New Jersey Transit have also suspended service because of the Hurricane. New Jersey Transit rail service will be suspended at 12 pm Saturday, August 27, New Jersey Transit Bus Service and Light Rail Service will be suspended at 6pm on Saturday, August 27, and SEPTA will cease operations at 12:30am on Sunday, August 28.

Matheussen is advising PATCO customers who use connecting services to keep in mind when the other transit agencies are discontinuing their service.

According to Matheussen, "the decision to suspend PATCO service was not an easy one, however, it was necessary for the safety of our customers and employees."

The Delaware River Port Authority is a regional transportation agency. DRPA owns and operates the Benjamin Franklin, Walt Whitman, Commodore Barry and Betsy Ross Bridges, and PATCO. The DRPA also owns the RiverLink Ferry.

[KevinKorell]

8/29/2011 10:08:25 AM

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