MARC's problems

[daveklepper]

Date: May 17, 2018 at 3:46:14 PM EDT
To: "MTA Maryland Alerts Subscriber" <[e-mail]>
Subject: Limited Brunswick Line service to continue on Friday, full details: 

The Brunswick Line will continue to operate on a modified schedule on Friday, May 18 due to ongoing weather-related problems on the railroad west of Point of Rocks. CSX reports that work continues on the track washout between Point of Rocks and Brunswick, however another problem has developed with a mudslide west of Brunswick. Additional infrastructure problems are likely given tomorrow’s forecast for even more intense rain.

In addition, MARC management has made the decision to remove all locomotives and railcars from the storage yard in Brunswick. The Brunswick storage yard is susceptible to flooding and given the rain we have had and the rain that is predicted, we must safeguard our locomotives and cars – including two of our brand-new Charger locomotives. This will prevent major damage that would render our cars and locomotives unusable for 6-8 months, if not longer, and allow us to restore full service more quickly when the water recedes. Removing equipment from Brunswick means that in the short term, Brunswick Line service will continue to be limited, even when CSX is able to physically restore the track.

There will be no Brunswick Line service at Martinsburg, Duffields, Harpers Ferry, or Brunswick stations. There will be limited service at Point of Rocks.

Passengers should note that capacity will be limited versus normal Brunswick Line service. Not only do we have four less trainsets to operate, but three of the four trainsets that are stranded in Brunswick and Martinsburg are larger (5 or 6 car) trains. Passengers from Martinsburg should consider using MTA Commuter Bus #505 from Hagerstown and Frederick County passengers should consider MTA Commuter Bus #515 from downtown Frederick and Monocacy.  In addition, the Metro option will be open starting at 5:00am Thursday morning.

Passengers should monitor conditions closely and check for updates frequently.  Flood conditions can occur rapidly and without warning. Be aware of your surroundings personal safety should be first and foremost.  

Morning service

--Train 870 (4:50am departure from Brunswick) will not operate.

--Train 890 (5:00am departure from Frederick) will operate and add stops at Point of Rocks, Barnesville, Washington Grove, and Kensington. Due to the additional stops, Train 890 will likely operate 10-15 minutes late.

--Train 872 (5:00am departure from Martinsburg) will not operate.

--Train 874 (5:25am departure from Martinsburg) will originate at Frederick, departing at 5:30am. It will stop at Monocacy at 5:36am, then assume Train 874’s schedule from Point of Rocks to Washington (no additional stops)

--Train 892 (6:05am departure from Frederick) will operate and add stops at Barnesville and Washington Grove. This train will not stop at Point of Rocks.

--Train 876 (6:40am departure from Brunswick) will not operate.

--Train 878 (6:25am departure from Martinsburg) will originate at Frederick, departing at 6:30am. It will stop at Monocacy at 6:36am, then assume Train 878’s schedule from Point of Rocks to Washington, adding a stop at Kensington.

--Train 894 (7:10am departure from Frederick) will depart Frederick and Monocacy as scheduled. Upon arrival at Point of Rocks, the train will hold until Train 880’s departure time.

--Train 880 (7:45am departure from Brunswick) will originate at Point of Rocks and operate as scheduled to Washington.

Evening service

--Train 873 (3:30pm departure from Union Station) will not operate.

--Train 891 (3:45pm departure from Union Station) will add stops at Kensington, Barnesville and Point of Rocks

--Train 875 (4:25pm departure from Union Station) will not operate

--Train 877 (4:55pm departure from Union Station) will not serve Brunswick station, after departing Point of Rocks it will operate to Monocacy and Frederick.

--Train 893 (5:20pm departure from Union Station) will not operate 

--Train 879 (5:40pm departure from Union Station) will operate as scheduled Washington to Point of Rocks, then continue on to Monocacy and terminate at Frederick.

--Train 881 (6:20pm departure from Union Station) will operate as scheduled Washington to Point of Rocks, then continue on to Monocacy and terminate at Frederick.

--Train 895 (6:40pm departure from Union Station) will not operate

--Train 883 (7:25pm departure from Union Station) will not serve Brunswick station, after departing Point of Rocks it will operate to Monocacy and Frederick.

We thank our Brunswick Line customers for your continued patience.  Updates regarding Monday's service will be provided by Sunday evening. 

[BaltACD]

Frederick County MD has been innundated with a rain amount that is quickly approaching 1 foot to date this week.  Additional rains in the Potomac and Shenandoah River watersheds are creating issues with the Potomac from Harpers Ferry to the Chesapeake Bay.

[CandOforprogress2]

Bus Alternitives?

 

[BaltACD]

CandOforprogress2

Bus Alternitives?

Some were offered - I have no idea how many or how effective they have been.

[daveklepper]

Full servce was restored for the Monday evening rush and subsequent days.