For Better Train Service, Buses Take Over as Historic Moodna Viaduct gets Fixed for t

[Trainspotter 0]

For Better Train Service, Buses Take Over as Historic Moodna Viaduct gets Fixed for the Future

 

One of the engineering marvels in local railroading is the 3,201 foot-long, riveted, open deck girder bridge known as the Moodna Viaduct. First opened for rail traffic in 1909, this viaduct carries one track across Moodna Creek, Route 94 and Otterkill Road. This amazing structure is located next to the Salisbury Mills Station in Orange County and serves Metro-North's Port Jervis Line.

 

A slow order has been in effect on the east end of the bridge for about two months after an inspection revealed some deficiencies in several bridge timbers. The deficiencies did not pose any hazard, but to err on the side of safety Metro-North implemented a slow speed order of 10 mph. Normal track speed is 30 mph.

 

To replace the timbers, the Moodna Viaduct will be closed to all train service from 6 a.m. Saturday July 28, until 5 p.m. Sunday July 29. In case of inclement weather, the work will be rescheduled for the same time on August 4 and 5.

 

During these 35 hours of work, all Metro-North Port Jervis Line trains will originate and terminate at the Harriman station. Bus service will be provided between Harriman and all stations west to Port Jervis. Buses will run on normal train schedules as traffic conditions allow.

 

The temporary speed restriction will remain in place briefly after the repairs until a certain amount of freight tonnage has passed over the new timbers to make they have settled in place properly.