Traffic & Transit

Earthquake Causes NJ Transit Train Delays, Bridge Inspections

Train service slowed down in New Jersey after Friday's quake, with system-wide delays reported due to inspections.

Friday morning’s earthquake in New Jersey caused system-wide delays for NJ Transit train riders in both directions, with workers performing bridge and track inspections in the wake of the quake.
Friday morning’s earthquake in New Jersey caused system-wide delays for NJ Transit train riders in both directions, with workers performing bridge and track inspections in the wake of the quake. (Photo: Caren Lissner, Patch staff)

NEW JERSEY — Friday morning’s earthquake in New Jersey caused system-wide delays for NJ Transit train riders in both directions, with workers performing bridge and track inspections in the wake of the quake.

A magnitude 4.8 earthquake was detected with an epicenter seven kilometers north northeast of Whitehouse Station in New Jersey, according to the United States Geological Survey, which monitors earthquakes. See Related: Earthquake Rocks NJ, PA, NYC

Reports of buildings shaking began about 10:30 a.m. and lasted for approximately 30 seconds. The shaking was felt as far as New York City and Philadelphia, according to reports.

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A second, smaller earthquake hit New Jersey later on Friday afternoon.

NJ Transit said the quake caused system-wide delays on its train and light rail lines.

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“Rail service system-wide is subject to up to 20-min delays in both directions due to bridge inspections following an earlier earthquake, the agency reported.

As of Friday afternoon, NJ Transit listed active alerts for the following train lines: Atlantic City, Main-Bergen County, Montclair-Boonton, Morris & Essex, Northeast Corridor, North Jersey Coast, Pascack Valley, Raritan Valley.

Meanwhile, track inspections slowed down service on the following NJ Transit’s light rail lines: Hudson-Bergen, Newark, River Line.

No earthquake-related delays were being reported for NJ Transit bus lines as of Friday afternoon.

Air travelers in New Jersey also faced headaches on Friday due to the quake, with a ground stop issued at Newark Airport. Read More: Flight Disruptions At Newark Airport After Earthquake Shakes NJ

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