Chicago commuters brave extreme conditions during deep freeze; CTA, Metra disrupted
CHICAGO (CBS) -- The bone-chilling temperatures led to frustrating delays for commuters who had to go to work Monday.
Metra had to use fire on the tracks to keep switches from freezing and trains running – in a surreal sight that actually often happens at this time of year. The flames are sparked by gas-fed heaters that run alongside the rails and keep them warm – so as to prevent the extreme cold from warping the tracks.
Despite that, it was a frustrating commute for those who had to go into work this morning.
Even as of the mid-afternoon, Milwaukee District West and Milwaukee District West Metra trains were stopped due to switching problems. Trains were back moving on both lines by the late afternoon, but with extensive delays.
Frozen switches were to blame for some of the delays on Metra throughout the day.
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A Metra spokesperson told us the biggest issue with switches this morning was at Union Station.
There were limited routes in and out of the north side of the train depot in the West Loop - resulting in a complete stop of Metra's BNSF traffic on the south side of the depot for about 40 minutes.
Early Monday evening, Metra also reported a new derailment on the BNSF line. Trains were still running, but two trains out of Union Station were canceled.
CBS 2 also saw earlier delays into Ogilvie Station, where we noticed reduced ridership. Passengers hustled out of the cold and on to their trains.
Planning ahead for Tuesday, Metra told us the mechanical, engineering and transportation team will be working overtime.
The switch heaters that produce the flames will be back on at the Western Avenue stop at Western Avenue and Kinzie Street. to keep trains moving. The Western Avenue stop is a very high traffic stop that serves the Milwaukee District North, Milwaukee District West, and North Central Service lines.
Meanwhile, an issue with the tracks also led to a derailment on the Chicago Transit Authority Orange Line, which resulted in longer commute times for passengers heading between downtown and the Southwest Side.
Crews were seen braving the arctic temperatures to restore full service to the Orange Line after what the CTA called a "comparatively minor" derailment near the 35th/Archer station.
Following the derailment, Orange Line trains ran in two sections - with free shuttle buses in between Ashland and 35th/Archer. This went on for more than five hours until service was restored.
Regular Orange Line passengers said they were expecting a slower than normal day - and bundled up accordingly.
"I wish everyone could just stay home," said Orange Line rider Jocelyn Vega. "Reminds you to slow down and not rush as much."
Due to extreme weather and some overhead wire issues in Gary, Indiana, the South Shore Line also had to shift to a holiday schedule.
As for Tuesday, the CTA said buses and trains will be double-checked for heat, and their switch heaters will be activated at key terminals.
The CTA is also encouraging customers to allow extra travel time, and to use the CTA Bus and Train Trackers to get arrival information - which can help limit the amount of time spent waiting outdoors.
It was also a frustrating day for passengers trying to catch a flight. As of 5 p.m., a total of 309 flights had been canceled at O'Hare International Airport, and 744 had been delayed. A total of 172 flights had been canceled at Midway as of 5 p.m., and 114 had been delayed.
