BNSF riders could see another sluggish commute this afternoon

It could be another speed-challenged commute home for Metra BNSF Line riders and other passengers using Union Station Thursday as fallout from a minor derailment continues.

Officials warned afternoon trains could be running 15 minutes late. Fewer tracks are available and passengers are advised to listen to announcements, and check gate signs or the Metra website for updates.

Service could also be affected Friday morning.

Metra expects to implement its overcrowding plan for Union Station, which involves using the large corridor connecting with the Great Hall as a staging and loading area. Access to the south concourse will be restricted to that corridor.

The trouble started at about 10:50 p.m. Tuesday when a Southwest Service train heading into Union Station derailed three of its cars.

The cars remained upright and no one was injured, but repairs are continuing. Some track switches and signal systems at Union Station, which is owned by Amtrak, were damaged, the railroad said.

Delays have plagued the BNSF, Southwest Service and Heritage Corridor lines since.

Amtrak trains also experienced delays of between 30 and 45 minutes, the transit agency said in a statement.

Metra officials said they apologized for wait times and slow trains.

Amtrak and Metra are investigating the cause of the derailment.