STORM WATCH

A winter storm watch has been issued for Long Island ahead of this weekend's storm

Giant tarp causes giant problems on LIRR in Freeport

A giant tarp broke free from a water tower in Freeport Monday, bringing the Babylon branch of the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) to a standstill during the evening rush. Officials say contractors were

News 12 Staff

Aug 15, 2006, 2:43 AM

Updated 6,751 days ago

Share:

A giant tarp broke free from a water tower in Freeport Monday, bringing the Babylon branch of the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) to a standstill during the evening rush.
Officials say contractors were in the process of lowering the protective tarp from the water tower because of high winds when the incident occurred. They say the tarp got caught in high-tension power lines and dangled over the tracks, stranding thousands of commuters. Officials say seven trains had to be rerouted, but only five of them were able to change on their own. The LIRR reports 600 passengers on the other two trains were stuck in between stations.
LIRR officials say the tarp must be removed in phases, beginning with the disengaging of the tarp from the water tower. They say the power lines present an added danger that must be addressed before any action can be taken. Officials are unsure if service on the Babylon branch will be restored in time for the morning commute.