Stalled train frazzles nerves of Warren County residents

FRONT ROYAL, VA. – -Some Warren County residents are spending their Saturday sitting in a gridlock of sorts, thanks to a disabled Norfolk Southern Corp. train in the Shenandoah Estates area of the county.   Residents who have been sitting in their vehicles on and around Mary’s Shady Lane since shortly before 7 a.m. this morning say they are frustrated and concerned that if a true emergency should arise, first responders might not be able to get to those in need.

A Norfolk Southern police officer, who did not give his name, referred all questions to Susan Terpay, Director of Public Relations for the railroad. She said around 2 p.m. that it would likely be at least 4 p.m. before the train was cleared from the area.

Though she did not have information about what caused the train’s mechanical issues, she explained that when a train sits for more than four hours while being repaired, railroad workers must walk the length of the train and perform a brake test before the train resumes it trip.

Terpay anticipated that a media release would be provided by Norfolk Southern later today.