» 2006 Mohawk Valley Flood

August 1, 2006

The worst flooding in over 100 years hit Central New York and the Mohawk Valley at the end of June, disrupting all forms of transportation for several days. At the height of the flooding on June 28 and 29, all road and rail routes across upstate New York between Schenectady and Utica, including the New York State Thruway, were closed.

CSX’s Mohawk Sub Division west of Amsterdam was severely damaged by a number of washouts. This line, the legendary New York Central ‘Water Level Route’, which closely follows the Mohawk River and Barge Canal for many miles, was no match for the sudden and unexpected power of the flood waters. CSX crews worked around the clock after the waters subsided to repair the damage and were able to re-open one track for limited service, slow speed service within three days. Repairing the extensive damage to the signal system and to the other main track took over a week, with the line being fully reopened to traffic on July 7. CSX is to be commended for their fast response to this once-in-a-lifetime natural disaster.

As a result of the line closure, Amtrak suspended most Empire Corridor service west of Albany for over a week, with a full schedule not being operated again until July 7th. Substitute bus service was provided for passengers already enroute the first day of the flood, June 28 and limited bus service was operated for eastbound Lake Shore Limited passengers between Syracuse and Albany once the Thruway had been reopened on June 30, July 1 and 2. Limited through rail service resumed on July 3rd, though delays were encountered in the damaged areas.

In a letter to Amtrak’s Acting President David Hughes following the service disruption, ESPA expressed its concern that alternate transportation had not been provided for the majority of passengers reserved or planning to travel by train over the busy Independence Day holiday weekend. In his response, Mr. Hughes cited the lack of available buses in the upstate region as the primary reason Amtrak was unable to better accommodate travelers during the service disruption period.

Photos By Bill Tarvin - CSX Manager