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Photos: Cement Truck Hits 1 Train Overpass, Leaving 'Extensive' Damage & Ruining Commutes
By
Jen Chung
Published Mar 20, 2014
Modified Mar 20, 2014
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MTA New York City Transit / Marc A. Hermann
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By
Jen Chung
Published Mar 20, 2014
Modified Mar 20, 2014
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Signs, who needs 'em or reads 'em? Even though there is signage indicating that clearance is 10 feet, a cement truck driver still plowed into the subway overpass at 132rd Street and Broadway last night—forcing the southbound 1 trains to skip stops between 137th and 96th Streets. And the service change is continuing through this evening, as crews are continuing to fix the damage.
According to MTA spokesman Kevin Ortiz, it's "absolutely" common for trucks to hit the MTA's various overpasses, even though there are clear signs indicating clearance heights. He characterized the damage to the Harlem structure as "pretty extensive." Photographs released by the MTA show that the overpass is being propped up by temporary wooden columns and that an iron support is broken.
The cement truck driver sped off, but Ortiz said he turned himself into the police later on to report that he hit the overpass. We've asked the NYPD if the driver will be charged.
As for the southbound 1 train service uptown, here's what's happening: "Downtown 1 will bypass stations between 137 St - City College and 96 St into the evening rush hour due to a rail condition near 132 St. Crews are making repairs to damage caused by a cement truck that struck the overhead structure. Free Shuttle Buses, and M4, M104 buses are available between 137 St and 96 St. Use A and C if possible as an alternate. Monitor Service Status for updates."
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Jen Chung
Jen Chung is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.
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