Drawbridge Problem In Norwalk Delays Trains In Fairfield County

Update 5:35 p.m. FAIRFIELD COUNTY, Conn. -- Metro-North crews had two tracks back online and were manually flagging trains over a drawbridge in South Norwalk after mechanical difficulties began causing delays Friday afternoon, spokeswoman Marjorie Anders said.

Flag men are spotted on the stuck train drawbridge Friday evening over the Norwalk River.
Photo Credit: *Eric Gendron*

The 117-year-old train drawbridge over the Norwalk River between South Norwalk and East Norwalk became stuck Friday afternoon, which delayed trains for hours.
Photo Credit: *Alfred Branch, File*

One of the trains delayed by the stuck drawbridge near the Norwalk River between South Norwalk and East Norwalk Friday.
Photo Credit: *Eric Gendron*

by Alfred Branch

06/14/2013 5:00 p.m.

Delays of 90 minutes were still in effect along the entire New Haven Line in both directions, she said.

The exact cause of the drawbridge problem was not disclosed. But Anders said the age of the bridge, which spans the Norwalk River near the Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk, was a factor.

"This bridge was built in 1896 and is 117 years old. It's very difficult to maintain," she said.

The problem started at 3:40 p.m., after the bridge was opened for boat traffic, Anders said.

Original story: FAIRFIELD COUNTY, Conn. -- Mechanical difficulties with a drawbridge near the South Norwalk train station were causing delays in both directions of the New Haven Line, Metro-North said Friday afternoon.

The delays were up to 90 minutes with no trains able to cross.

Amtrak trains were delayed as well.

Riders should listen for announcements at stations to monitor the situation.

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