Severe Storms Force Closure of Cromwell Light Rail Station in Anne Arundel County

ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY, Md. — The Cromwell Light Rail Station has been shut down following significant damage caused by severe storms over the weekend. This closure affects approximately 1,300 riders who rely on the station for their daily commutes.

Extensive destruction has been reported along Baltimore Annapolis Boulevard, where fallen utility poles and a streetlight are obstructing traffic and light rail tracks.

Natalie Simmons, a regular commuter, expressed her shock at the extent of the damage. "It looks like a tornado passed through here. I've never seen anything like this," she remarked, noting her surprise at the severity of the situation.

In response to the closure, the Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) has redirected affected passengers to buses 69 and 70 and is providing a shuttle service to a nearby stop at 8th Avenue and Baltimore Annapolis Boulevard.

MTA Chief Operating Officer Joe Davis described the storm's impact, stating, "The storm just went right down the light rail tracks and just ripped down anything in its way." He emphasized the need for repairs to the overhead power lines before train services can resume.

Currently, crews from Baltimore Gas and Electric (BGE) are working to repair around 25 damaged utility poles, which range in height from 65 to 100 feet. These repairs must be completed prior to any MTA assessments and subsequent repair work.

Davis explained the complexity of the repairs, noting the necessity to restring nearly three-quarters of a mile of overhead wire. "We have to balance it really incrementally, so that when we do flip the switch and get trains moving again, it'll be done safely," he added.

A shuttle service to Baltimore/Washington International Airport (BWI) is expected to begin on Wednesday. In the meantime, Simmons expressed her frustration but acknowledged the uncontrollable nature of such events. "Very inconvenienced, but what can you do about a storm?" she said, urging patience as crews work to restore normalcy.

Reported by HarborBeat based on WMAR-2 News (source).