BNSF riders can expect some variety during track repairs

Metra BNSF riders can expect altered schedules and some delays on certain trains later this month as the railroad works to repair some of its basic infrastructure.

The bulk of the delays should affect midday and evening trains with a limited impact on rush hour service, Metra officials said. Meanwhile, residents along the tracks can expect a little repair noise.

Work will start Monday and includes replacing 20,000 wooden railway ties and resurfacing 17 miles of steel track. Resurfacing means “correcting the alignment of the rails to make them smooth and tamping the ballast, which is the stones and gravel that lie along the track, spokesman Michael Gillis said.

BNSF commuters are advised to check Metra's website http://metrarail.com/metra/en/home.html for more details about schedule changes.

The work will run through May 2.

“This project is part of the regular maintenance necessary to keep our rail lines in the best condition possible,” CEO Don Orseno said in a statement. “While no one enjoys passing through a construction zone, riders will ultimately enjoy the benefits of a smoother ride and reliable service.”

The work will start in Chicago and proceed west to Hinsdale with work proceeding six days a week from 8 p.m. to 4 a.m. Residents and businesses along the route are advised that the repairs could be noisy and trains will have to sound horns to warn workers.