gas contractors shut down CSX

[FJ and G]

No trains moving for hours. I went to sleep in the train and got home late.

This Message is for all VRE Riders:

CSX has informed us that a gas company contractor has cut a line that supplies power to several switches and signals in the rail interlocking south of Alexandria.  Consequently, all VRE trains may encounter delays of 30-45 minutes past Alexandria due to crews having to hand throw switches in the area.  We will update you when more information is available.

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For the latest information, don't forget to check out the VRE web site at:
http://www.vre.org.  If you would like to unsubscribe yourself or change
your delivery information, simply go to the VRE website at
 http://traintalk.vre.org/vre.

[FJ and G]

FLASH! THis just in from VRE!!!


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Shortly after 3:00pm a gas company contractor, relocating a gas line, cut a three power cables that supply the power to what is known as the AF Interlocking, just south of the Alexandria station.  The AF Interlocking is about 1.5 miles long, consists of three main lines and several sidings.  A multitude of switches and signals accommodate travel through the area between both Norfolk Southern and CSX tracks.  As a result, rail traffic was halted while train crews were required to walk the entire interlocking to manually align the switches. This situation created rail congestion and both Fredericksburg and Manassas line trains encountered delays once they were south of the Alexandria station.

Initial estimates were that the situation would not be corrected until 7:00p.  Fortunately, the power, signals, and switches were restored at 4:45p, but not without having severely disrupted our service.  The incident forced the cancellation of Manassas Line train 329 and caused significant delays to the early evening service.  

FRCs were passed out to those who were 60 minutes or more late.  If you did not receive an FRC and believe you are due one, send an FRC request form (http://www.vre.org/programs/frc-request.pdf) to VRE along with a copy of your ticket and a brief explanation.

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L'Enfant Cut-In Reminder

As a reminder, the cut-in for the third track at L'Enfant is scheduled for this weekend.  In the unlikely event that project is not completed Sunday evening, VRE will operate on the "S" Schedule on Monday, August 13 on both lines.  Please check for service updates on the website, Train Talk, or our 800-RIDE-VRE for an update after 6:00p on Sunday evening.

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