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Metra riders: Brace for cold-related delays

Posted January 11, 2016 12:00 am

Marni Pyke

Metra riders are advised to plan for potential delays on Tuesday's commute following a frustrating Monday marked by weather-related problems.

With bitter cold temperatures hitting the region, the Union Pacific North Line appeared to suffer the most delays on Monday.

The railroad said frozen switches at Winnetka caused the trouble. "Switch heaters failed but are repaired now," spokesman Michael Gillis said.

Service on other lines including the UP Northwest, Milwaukee District North, North Central Service, BNSF, Rock Island and Metra Electric also lagged. Metra reported delays up to 40 minutes for certain trains during Monday's morning rush.

In describing her train ride, "the words 'goat rodeo' come to mind," North Central Service user Stacey Horcher said. "I was on the (train) that is supposed to arrive downtown at 8:25-ish a.m. (It) didn't get in until after 9:30 a.m."

Snow was expected Monday night and conditions could worsen Tuesday with a high of only 11 degrees forecast and strong winds.

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