Amtrak passengers planning to enjoy the fall foliage in New York state this season may need to prepare for potential delays and reduced service. Due to an ongoing rehabilitation project on the underwater East River Tunnel, train routes connecting New York City, Upstate New York, and Long Island will experience service reductions and longer travel times in the coming weeks.
Service Reductions on Key Routes
The ongoing tunnel repairs will result in a 23 percent reduction in trains operating between New York City and the Hudson Valley. An Amtrak spokesperson confirmed to Travel + Leisure that the number of weekday and Sunday routes between New York City and Albany will be reduced from 13 to 10. Additionally, the schedules for the northbound Adirondack and southbound Maple Leaf trains will be extended by 1.5 hours and 1 hour, respectively, due to the work.
Impact on Weekend Train Service
The tunnel rehabilitation will also affect several train lines on weekends throughout October. For instance, Train 65, which typically ends in Newport News, Virginia, will instead terminate in Washington, D.C., as part of the temporary service adjustments.
Superstorm Sandy Recovery Behind the Project
The tunnel repairs are part of a long-term recovery effort following the extensive flooding caused by Superstorm Sandy in 2012. The storm inflicted severe damage on the region’s transportation infrastructure, including subway and train tunnels. The ongoing rebuilding efforts have been slow due to the high frequency of trains operating in these corridors.
Popular Routes for Fall Travelers
Amtrak’s upstate New York routes are particularly popular among fall foliage enthusiasts, skiers, and tourists seeking to explore the Hudson Valley and other scenic destinations. The Adirondack Train line, which stops at popular fall spots like Croton-Harmon, NY, and Hudson, NY, will be among those affected by the service reductions.
Staying Updated on Service Changes
Passengers with upcoming travel plans are encouraged to check Amtrak’s website for the latest service alerts and schedule updates. Travelers can also subscribe to text notifications for real-time updates on specific routes.
Increased Ridership Despite Disruptions
Despite the temporary disruptions, Amtrak’s Northeast Regional lines have seen a surge in ridership. Over the past year, more than 9.1 million passengers used Amtrak’s services, marking a 29.2 percent increase from 2022, according to Amtrak data.
Conclusion
As Amtrak works to repair critical infrastructure damaged by Superstorm Sandy, travelers should anticipate delays and reduced services, particularly on routes to upstate New York. With some fall destinations impacted by these changes, passengers are advised to check for updates and plan accordingly to make the most of their trips during the busy fall travel season.
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