UP-NW trains running again after power line down in Des Plaines
DES PLAINES, Ill. (WLS) -- Metra trains are running again after being stopped in both directions near Cumberland on the Union Pacific - Northwest Line due to a power line that fell across all three main tracks.
Metra tweeted to expect "extended delays;" the blockage was announced at 6:05 a.m. and ended around 8:30 a.m. The CTA Blue Line honored those Metra tickets.
The downed power lines have been removed and service has been restored. Inbound and outbound trains may be operating 30 to 160 minutes behind schedule. Metra advised customers to listen to platform announcements for delay times and train locations.
The UP-NW wasn't the only line experiencing problems.
Two Union Pacific - North Line trains will not operate due to a separate weather obstruction. Train #311, scheduled to depart Chicago at 6:45 a.m. and arrive at Winnetka at 7:18 a.m., will not operate. Train #316, scheduled to depart Winnetka at 7:30 a.m. and arrive at Chicago at 8:13 a.m., will not operate due to an ongoing weather-related track obstruction.
Several trains are also canceled on the Milwaukee District - West line due to a previously disabled train. Train #2202, scheduled to arrive at Chicago at 6:13 a.m., did not operate past Bartlett due to mechanical problems. Passengers were accommodated by train #2204. Train #2203, scheduled to depart Chicago at 6:21 a.m. and arrive at Elgin at 7:38 a.m., will not operate today. Train #2205, scheduled to depart Chicago at 7:12 a.m. and arrive at Big Timber Road at 8:29 a.m., will be accommodating passengers from train #2203 and make all stops.
The Rock Island Line in the south suburbs is also experiencing signal issues on the Blue Island branch. Inbound trains departing from Blue Island-Vermont Street will originate from Prairie Street, Metra said. Trains #602, #604, #606, #608, #610, #614 and #616 will start from Prairie. Metra said it anticipates these trains to be delayed approximately 15-25 minutes. Train #612 will not operate. Train #302, scheduled to depart Blue Island-Vermont Street at 8:10 a.m. and arrive at Chicago at 8:42 a.m., will not operate today due to switch problems. Train #416, scheduled to arrive at Chicago at 8:52 a.m., will be making an additional stop at 95th Street to accommodate passengers. Train #614, scheduled to arrive at Chicago at 8:35 a.m., will be making an additional stop at Gresham.
Commuters are encouraged to find alternate routes and allow extra time for travel.
