Drivers: Expect delays in Itasca while Metra makes repairs

Drivers can expect delays in Itasca through Friday as Metra continues to make repairs to the intersection where a car was struck by a train earlier this week.

The signal at Route 19 and Walnut Street will operate in flashing red mode and act as an all-way stop until work is completed, Illinois Department of Transportation officials said.

Patricia Vitale, 78, had to be extracted from the wreckage after her Honda Accord slid under the downed gate at about 7 a.m. Tuesday at Walnut Road.

"We're still making repairs on that entire signal bungalow," Metra spokeswoman Meg Reile said. "They had to create a new one from scratch. (The signal bungalow is) the metal building that the car crashed into. What it affected in this case were all those crossing parts - all the protections on them. The bells, the lights, the gates."

Witnesses said Vitale tried to reverse, but there wasn't enough time before the train struck her, witnesses said. She was hospitalized with broken ribs, a punctured lung and other internal injuries.

"Everything was functioning as intended until the incident," Reile said. "If you look at the video and slow it down, you can see where the gate hits the top of the car. The car just goes under the gate."

Until repairs are made, trains will slow through the area, Reile said. Additionally, the pedestrian walkway has been closed at that intersection, and there's flagmen posted at Catalpa Avenue, she said.

IDOT officials warned drivers to allow extra time for trips through the area and pay close attention to flaggers and signs in work zones, as well as the workers and equipment.

Additional delays could happen during Wednesday night's commute outbound and inbound on the BNSF line following precautionary repairs, Metra officials said.

Speed restrictions near Berwyn, West Hinsdale and Aurora could cause delays of 10 to 15 minutes.

"We'll be out restoring the track, but there are conditions at multiple locations following an inspection," Reile said. "In this weather, it's hard on all the equipment."

Riders should listen to platform announcements for the location of trains and check online metrarail.com for delay updates.