Freight train problem delay Metra trains in Barrington

A mechanical problem with a freight train stalled rush-hour traffic for more than two hours Friday in Barrington.

The southbound Canadian National Railway train came to a stop about 4:20 p.m. near Route 14/Northwest Highway and Lake Zurich Road, delaying Metra trains on an intersecting train line and cars on nearby roads, according to Barrington police.

An apparent cuff link problem was repaired, and traffic gridlock had cleared up by 7 p.m., police said.

Six Metra trains on the Union Pacific/Northwest line experienced delays for about 30 minutes each, Metra spokesman Tom Miller said.