While the Union Pacific West Line can be an alternate for some riders, Metra is encouraging those who can avoid Union Station to do so. Most trains normally used for the rush hour are trapped west of Westmont, where a crane tipped over, blocking the Burlington Northern Santa Fe railroad tracks.
"Metra is encouraging BNSF riders to seek alternative means of transportation home. We have hopes the [crane] will be cleared by the beginning of the rush hour, but can't guarantee it," a Metra official said.
The crane tipped over shortly before noon.
No injuries have been reported.
Metra said "extensive" delays are possible throughout the rush hour.
Metra posted the following message on its home page Wednesday: "Inbound and outbound trains will not operate past Westmont at this time due to a track obstruction which is blocking all three tracks. The duration of this delay may be extensive. Metra will update this site as information becomes available."
