The Cromwell Light Rail Station in Glen Burnie remains closed as utility crews work to repair damage caused by severe storms that swept through the region on Saturday night. High winds and heavy rain resulted in the collapse of approximately two dozen power poles onto the station’s light rail wires, creating hazardous conditions that forced the Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) to suspend service.
As of Tuesday, MTA announced that light rail trains could operate as far south as the North Linthicum Station, while bus services were implemented to transport passengers to BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport and a stop at the intersection of 8th Avenue and Baltimore Annapolis Boulevard in Glen Burnie.
The Cromwell station serves as the southern terminus of the light rail line, located just beyond the airport stop. MTA officials indicated that the station is expected to remain closed until at least Friday evening, pending repairs.
Following record temperatures on Saturday, the storms caused flooding and wind gusts reaching 70 mph, which resulted in extensive damage across the area. The high winds not only affected the light rail station but also downed trees and power lines, leaving around 70,000 residents without electricity at the peak of the storm.
According to Baltimore Gas and Electric (BGE), around 25 electric poles were damaged near the Cromwell station, disrupting travel along Interstate 97 and Baltimore Annapolis Boulevard. While service has been restored to most customers, approximately 12 were still without power as of Tuesday, though temporary restoration via generator was planned.
BGE crews are diligently working to address the damage, with spokesperson Lydia Parker stating that the restoration process is complicated by access issues and vegetation. MTA spokesperson Paul Shepard noted that repairs to the catenary lines, which supply power to the light rail, cannot commence until BGE completes its work on the downed poles.
On average, 1,337 passengers utilize the Cromwell Light Rail Station on weekdays, highlighting the importance of restoring service promptly.
Reported by HarborBeat based on The Baltimore Banner (source).
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