Another Pipe Bursts At Union Station, Delaying Trains
(CBS) -- On Friday, for the second time this week, a pipe burst at Chicago Union Station, delaying trains and leaving Metra riders with soggy conditions.
Tuesday, it was slimy black water on the south concourse floor. Friday afternoon, the water was clear, for the most part, but it left a big puddle at the bottom of the staircase leading to Gates 6, 8 and beyond, just as homebound commuters descended on Union Station for the trip home.
Metra spokesman Michael Gillis said BNSF line trains continued to arrive and depart from Gates 2 and 4, but Gates 6 and 8 were a washout for more than an hour. Around 4:30 p.m., the water was drained or mopped up and the gates were reopened, but the floor remained slippery throughout the afternoon rush.
Amtrak, owner of Union Station, has devised a plan to limit off-peak access to several areas to minimize the cold air exposure for the pipes. The plan will be in effect through the end of February.
The corridor connecting Union Station's north and south concourses is being closed between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. and between 8 p.m. and 5 a.m., affecting the ticket windows and access to and from Canal Street.
Amtrak also said it would limit the access to automatic doors and escalators between the east side of Canal Street and the concourse during off-peak hours.
No changes are being made to the entrances at the Chicago River, Adams Street and Jackson Boulevard.