Northeast blackout hampers Class Is' traffic (8/15/2003)
8/15/2025The power outage that affected New York City, Cleveland, Detroit, Toronto and other Northeast areas yesterday brought subways to a standstill. But the blackout had an effect on freight trains, too.
Because of sporadic signal and train-communication outages, CSX Transportation's train operations between New York City and the Detroit/Toledo area were significantly limited, according to a prepared statement. Eastward trains originating in Albany and Buffalo, N.Y., and Cleveland, also were slowed or halted.
CSXT expected the blackout to impede train operations to and from Chicago exchange points until power is restored.
Meanwhile, CSX Intermodal's traffic was delayed because its northern New Jersey and New York area terminals lost power, and Norfolk Southern Railway's trains were slowed in Michigan, Ohio, New York and New Jersey.
"Customers with traffic moving through these areas should expect delays," NS said in a traffic alert.
Source: Progressive Railroading Daily News