Overview
On Wednesday, June 22, 1977, a Conrail freight train derailed in Metuchen, New Jersey, blocking all four main tracks of the Northeast Corridor. Approximately 20 of the train’s 87 cars left the rails, damaging track, station facilities, and overhead electrical wires. The derailment halted rail traffic between New York and Washington and forced passengers onto buses between New Brunswick and Rahway. Several Amtrak trains, including the Metroliner, were delayed or rerouted.
Quick Facts
- Date
- June 22, 1977
Timeline
June 22, 1977
Conrail Trail Derails
June 24, 1977
Third Track Cleared
The third of four tracks was cleared.
June 25, 1977
All Four Tracks Cleared
The fourth and final track was cleared.
Associated Places
Place
Metuchen Station
Metuchen Station, as it stands today, dates to 1888 and occupies a prominent location at the end of the borough's downtown business district.