Metra cancels two trains, others slowed after freight train derailment
SUN-TIMES MEDIA WIRE February 3, 2012 10:15AM
Inspectors walk past a derailed freight car near Grand and Lamon Ave. Friday, Feb. 3, 2012, in Chicago. The derailment was reported at about 9:00 a.m., according to Metra Police, and there were no reports of injuries. Metra trains on the West Line were delayed about 30 to 40 minutes. | John J. Kim~Sun-Times
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Updated: February 3, 2012 4:36PM
Metra lines continue to have problems during the evening rush, with two trains canceled and others slowed, in the aftermath of a freight train derailment on the Northwest Side on Friday morning.
The 77-car mixed-freight Canadian Pacific train derailed at 8:55 a.m. at a junction with Metra tracks at Grand and Cicero avenues, according to Metra and CP spokesmen. No Metra trains were involved but the derailment has affected trains on two Metra lines -- the Milwaukee District/West Line and the North Central Service Line.
Seven train cars derailed, CP spokesman Ed Greenberg said. Five remained upright, while two wound up on their sides, he said. Of those two cars, one was empty and the other was loaded with paper.
There were no reports of injuries, according to Fire Media Affairs.
Metra is adjusting service on the Milwaukee West and North Central lines for the Friday evening rush, according to a service alert, as only one track remains available for Metra to operate in both directions. Two trains have been canceled to alleviate some of the congestion and the schedules of other trains will be adjusted.
All Milwaukee West and North Central trains may experience delays of 10 to 20 minutes due to single track operations, and speed restrictions, Metra said.
Milwaukee West Train No. 2229, scheduled to depart Union Station at 4:30 p.m., and Milwaukee West Train No. 2241, scheduled to depart at 5:27 p.m., have been canceled, Metra said.
Other trains will be making extra stops to accommodate those passengers.
Canadian Pacific crews were at the scene “working with local authorities and Metra,” Greenberg said. “Our first priority is the safety of the public and our crew,” and once that is secured, CP will focus on cleanup of the scene and getting trains moving on those tracks again.
It has not been determined what caused the derailment, Greenberg said.
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