Extreme cold and pedestrian hit by train cause delays for four Metra lines
Service has returned to normal on four Metra commuter lines, after issues related to the extreme cold delayed several trains during the Tuesday morning rush, and a freight train hit a pedestrian along another route.
Metra said inbound and outbound BNSF trains were delayed 20 to 25 minutes during the morning rush due to emergency track repairs and switch problems. Officials confirmed the tracks on the BNSF line cracked due to the extreme cold, but repairs were made by late Tuesday morning, and normal service has since resumed.
Delays also were reported on the Milwaukee District North and Union Pacific Northwest lines during the morning rush due to mechanical issues from the cold weather. Some trains on the Milwaukee District North line were delayed up to 25 minutes before the issues were resolved, while some Union Pacific Northwest trains were delayed up to 30 minutes.
Meantime, service was halted for more than two hours Tuesday morning on the Union Pacific West line, after a freight train that uses the same stretch of tracks hit a pedestrian near the Metra station in Winfield.
Metra said the pedestrian was walking too close to the tracks at the time of the incident. The victim was taken to a local hospital, and their condition is unknown at this time.
Service resumed on the Union Pacific West line by about 9:20 a.m.
