December Service Promised on Irene-Wrecked New York Rails

The Metro-North Railroad says service will resume along the length of the Port Jervis line by the end of the year.

The line serves about 2,800 riders a day in Rockland and Orange counties. It was heavily damaged during the aftermath of Hurricane Irene.

Buses are still replacing trains in areas where tracks have not been repaired.

Metro-North says that when the track reconstruction is completed in December, train service will resume at all stations.

However, construction work to prevent future flooding will continue.

The railroad says that while that goes on, there will be occasional use of buses during non-rush periods.

The full pre-storm schedule is expected to resume by fall 2012.

The railroad estimates costs at $50 million. It is hoping for federal funds and insurance proceeds.