Lengthy delays can be expected, but rail service has been restored following a train derailment Friday in Hempfield, officials with Norfolk Southern Railroad announced.
Traffic and operations are returning to normal, but some customers may experience a delay of 24 hours due to the backlog, the company said Monday.
Amtrak canceled passenger rail service Saturday between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg because of the multi-train derailment. Both lines were put back in service Sunday, the company said.
Three Norfolk Southern freight trains were involved in the derailment, which happened about three miles east of Greensburg. The crash derailed 50 shipping containers, blocking both rail lines that carry freight and passenger traffic on the heavily-traveled route between Pittsburgh and Philadelphia, the railroad said.
That section of the Norfolk Southern tracks is used by Amtrak’s Pennsylvanian train that connects Pittsburgh with Harrisburg, Philadelphia and New York City. Passengers on the Pennsylvanian on Friday were transported by bus from Altoona to their destination, said Kimberly Woods, Amtrak spokeswoman.
The trains derailed just west of the Georges Station Road bridge in Hempfield, along a double mainline section of track.
The recovery effort included cranes, excavators, loaders, and other heavy equipment to clear the tracks, according to Norfolk Southern officials.
Eleven intermodal rail cars transporting 50 shipping containers derailed. Two locomotives also derailed but remained upright.
The cause of the derailment remains under investigation, the company said.
Traffic is expected to return to normal Tuesday, according to the railroad.
Customers with questions regarding service can call 1-800-635-5768.
