More delays in store for commuters as PATCO fixes tracks, signals

Commuters using the PATCO high speed line are in for some more short-term pain for long-term gain.  

The hedaches will return next week as PATCO once again closes one track over the Ben Franklin Bridge starting Thursday afternoon and through Friday.

CEO John Hanson says the track and signal work can’t be done while trains roll between South Jersey and Philadelphia.

“This is the least advantageous schedule for our riders because, at some points, there are gaps of up to 26 minutes,” he said.

The delays allow trains to move in both directions over the Delaware River, he said.

“We’re sorry for the inconvenience to the commuters, we’re working hard to minimize the inconvenience,” Hanson said.

This phase of the upgrades will continue for six or seven weeks. The overall $103 million project is expected to be finished in 2016.

Revised train schedules are available at ridepatco.org, and printed timetables will be posted at all PATCO stations net week.