Fire shuts down service on 10 out of 11 LIRR Branches

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Because a large number of JTF supporters live in the New York Metropolitan Area,    I think the following is worth mentioning.     If you were planning on using the LIRR later today,   its best to check to see if service has been restored.   Also,   expect more traffic on the roads.    Give yourself extra time to get around.   


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Fire in switching tower halts most service on LIRR
By TOM NAMAKO

Last Updated: 2:18 PM, August 23, 2010

Posted: 1:33 PM, August 23, 2010

Comments: 1 | More  Print 
Long Island commuters could get the ride home from hell this afternoon, as 10 of the LIRR’s 11 lines are halted due to a fire.

An 11:00 a.m. blaze broke out at a switching tower near Jamaica station, a major transfer point that serves every line except the Port Washington branch.

Officials are scrambling to come up with a plan to restore service, and will make an announcement at 3:00 p.m.

Time is ticking: as many as 130,000 commuters will soon begin their trip home in the evening rush. It could affect about 350 rush hour trains.

There were no reported injuries in the fire.

"New York City Transit is honoring LIRR fares between Jamaica and Manhattan/Brooklyn," the MTA said, since many of the LIRR’s stops inside the city are also near subway and bus lines.



Read more: http://www.nypost.com/p/news/local/fire_in_switching_tower_halts_most_7Jd66IP0m3wBFvJOqgLgBM#ixzz0xSJIYV4n