UPDATE: Bridge Fire Could Threaten Metro North Commute

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 Conn. 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

A "massive, smoky fire" broke out around 11:40 a.m. on Tuesday on a train bridge that carries Metro North riders over the Harlem River, according to the New York Daily News.

The blaze has caused all rail traffic in and out of New York City to be halted and could severly threaten the evening commute.

"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 Metro North 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.