Several Metra Trains Delayed, Some Canceled For Morning Rush
CHICAGO (STMW) -- Switching and mechanical problems - as well as at least two cars stuck on the tracks - caused delays and a few cancellations on several Metra lines during the Thursday morning commute.
By 8 a.m., the rail service reported several delays for the morning commute, with the BNSF line having the most issues.
Both inbound and outbound trains on the BNSF line were experiencing delays of up to 30 minutes because of switching problems and train congestion, according to Metra's website. A handful of BNSF trains were canceled.
On the Union Pacific/West Line, trains were delayed up to 75 minutes because of mechanical problems, according to Metra's website.
Several inbound trains on the Union Pacific/Northwest Line were also delayed up to 20 minutes Thursday morning because two cars were stuck on the tracks at different locations, Metra spokesperson Tom Miller said.
The cars, which were stuck between northwest suburban Arlington Heights and Arlington Park, had been cleared by 8 a.m. without any collisions, but at least four trains were experiencing residual delays, Miller said. Train 614, scheduled to arrive in Chicago at 7:41 a.m., was running express from northwest suburban Mount Prospect to Clybourn as a result from the track obstructions, and train 618 was accommodating the passengers.
(Source: Sun-Times Media Wire © Chicago Sun-Times 2014. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)