The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) today issued the following update on this morning’s water main break on the Upper West Side of Manhattan from New York City Transit President Andy Byford.

“Service on the ,  and  lines has been restored after the eruption of a city-owned water main between 62^nd and 63^rd Streets at 5:00 this morning. Transit workers made a herculean effort to drain more than 500,000 gallons of water that had flooded into the subway near the 66^th Street Station. The level of water rose above the third rail, making conditions dangerous to operate trains.

“As soon as the city shut off the water around 8:00 a.m., crews started using portable pumps to dewater the tunnel, ensuring that the drainage system was functioning properly. Then signal, track and infrastructure teams began their inspections. Track workers evaluated the rail’s integrity, and checked for any debris that may have flowed through.

“The signal team assessed the condition of 72 signals and 12 switches and replaced components as needed before conducting tests. After that, we removed most personnel from the roadbed and began running test trains through the impact area, which stretches across four stations from 59^th Street-Columbus Circle to 79^th Street.

“Those proved successful, we have now restored limited service on ,  and  lines. Riders should expect significant residual delays before the resumption of normal rush hour service.”


Click these links to see photos and video of NYC Transit's aggressive clean-up efforts today.