Cleanup could take days in south suburban freight train derailment; Metra service resumes Thursday
No one injured, no hazmat reported
CHICAGO RIDGE, Ill. (WLS) -- A freight train derailment impacted Metra services and caused multiple road closures in the south suburbs on Wednesday.
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Morning commuters' travel plans were thrown off track after a freight train derailed in Chicago Ridge.
The company said a CSX train derailed at about 4:24 a.m.
It caused damage to the railroad crossing near 107th Street and Central Avenue.
Police said the crossing will be closed to all traffic for at least one day and possibly longer.
Oak Lawn Fire Chief David Wheeler says as the CSX freight train derailed from its tracks, it crossed over Norfolk Southern's rails, which run Metra's Southwest Service line.
"All the Metra service in the south suburbs in this area has been affected by that, and probably will be for a couple days here, we're guessing, as the rail is pretty damaged," Wheeler said.
Wheeler says the CSX train was carrying 58 cars, with 10-12 actually derailing.
Metra confirmed they shut down all Southwest Line services.
"I kinda need it for work; so, otherwise I have to take the Orange Line, which is a bit of a distance from here," commuter Jaime Alvarez said.
Most commuters were forced to use a ride share or use the CTA to get to work.
On Thursday morning Metra services resumed by 6 a.m. Metra said there could be with some delays.
Chicago Ridge police said the derailment did not involve hazardous materials.
Oak Lawn police said there were no injuries.
"Our plan of action was No. 1: notify all schools," Chicago Ridge Mayor John "Jack" Lind said. "No. 2: all of our local nursing homes and hospitals that there will be some traffic issues."
A CSX Spokesperson said: "CSX crews are currently on scene and working as safely and quickly as possible to clean up the impacted site and to restore passenger and freight service in the area."
People who live there say it's caused quite the mess.
"It was a loud noise. It sounded like it was thunder," Sandy Kappel said. "Oh really bad, everyone's saying that all the major roads around here are really backed up."
Area residents are reconsidering their upcoming plans.
"I was going to go out. Now I'm staying in because of it. It's a lot easier. I canceled, changed my plans, so," Kappel said.
A fire chief said they hoped to have Ridgeland Avenue open to traffic for the evening commute, but he says Central Avenue near 107th Street is a different story because the road was damaged there as the train came through.
The cause of the derailment is under investigation.
Street Closures
The derailment happened near the 108th Street railroad crossing.
Oak Lawn police said Central Avenue between 107th and Pleasant Boulevard was closed.
Ridgeland Avenue is closed between Southwest Highway and Washington Street, Chicago Ridge police said.
Anyone traveling in these areas should expect delays.
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