Delays for Amtrak, NJ Transit riders subside hours after downed tree in NJ causes signal woes

Northeast Amtrak delays from downed NJ tree abate

TRENTON, N.J. — Travel delays caused by a downed tree have mostly ended for rail riders on the busy Northeast Corridor line between New York and Philadelphia.

Passengers had faced delays of up to two hours Wednesday after the tree took down overhead power wires near Hamilton, N.J., knocking out power and rail signals. Residual delays persisted through the evening commute. But by 7 p.m. service on Amtrak and NJ Transit commuter trains was on or close to schedule.

Amtrak spokesman Cliff Cole says the tree fell around 5:30 a.m., causing delays between New York City and Philadelphia. Amtrak trains were able to move again by 8 a.m. but at greatly reduced speeds.