Metra repairs cause Elgin gridlock

Downtown Elgin drivers have found themselves in a rush-hour gridlock as two Metra railroad crossings were closed for repairs.

The crossing at McLean and Big Timber was closed last week and was scheduled to reopen before repairs started on the Kimball Street crossing Wednesday, but was not reopened until the afternoon causing a major traffic jam.

Repairs on the Kimball crossing began Wednesday morning, leaving both crossings closed for the morning rush hour. Metra officials expect the Kimball crossing to reopen on Wednesday Oct. 27.

“We're recommending people avoid the area or find alternative routes,” said Elgin Police Lt. Glenn Theriault.

Twenty Elgin police officers were at the locations directing traffic, but police said the traffic was backed up for hours.

Police recommend using I-90 or Route 20 to move across the Fox River.

Matters were made worse Wednesday evening when a truck pulled electric wires down during an accident at Jackson Street and Highland Avenue, closing down Highland Avenue for a short time.

The city will post downtown detour routes on its Website Thursday morning.