Railways warn of service interruptions during papal visit

Train movement restrictions will be placed on Norfolk Southern, CSX and Conrail in the Philadelphia, New Jersey and New York City areas as Pope Francis visits the United States for the first time, according to an NS customer advisory.    Rail operators in the Northeast United States are warning of potential service interruptions during the much anticipated upcoming papal visit to the Philadelphia, New Jersey and New York City areas.
   Train movement restrictions will be placed on Norfolk Southern, CSX and Conrail between Sept. 22 and Sept. 28, and road and bridge closures may further impact the railways’ ability to move trains and position crews, according to a customer advisory from NS.
   “The Conrail Movement Office will be manned 24 hours per day,” said NS. “Conrail and Norfolk Southern will maintain scheduled service where possible and prioritize traffic accordingly. We ask that all customers in these areas prepare for the possibility of service interruptions during this time.”
   The six-day trip, which also includes a stop in Washington, D.C., is Pope Francis’ first visit to the United States.
   In a recent memo, Office of Personnel Management Acting Director Beth Cobert said federal government agencies would remain open during the visit, but recommended that employees be allowed to telecommute in order to avoid traffic and crowds.
   “Due to the increase in traffic, road closures, significant detours, crowded trains and buses, longer wait times at stops and stations, and related commuting disruptions on these days, federal employees who work in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area should expect significant commuting delays and travel disruptions,” wrote Colbert.
   “Those employees who must commute should allow extra time going to and from work whether by private vehicle or public transportation. Employees are encouraged to monitor local news media for announcements on street closures for vehicular and pedestrian traffic, closures or disruptions to public transportation, building closures, or any possible changes to the Washington, D.C. area Federal Government operating status.”