Metra unveils plans to prevent winter travel woes

Officials of Chicago's Metra commuter rail agency unveiled new snow-fighting equipment and communications strategies to deal with the cold.

Metra CEO Don Orseno said Thursday although he is confident about facing the winter ahead, it is still possible problems can occur.

Last winter's bitter cold, repeated snowfalls and strong winds wreaked havoc with Metra equipment and train schedules.

Metra officials displayed a machine designed to clear snow and ice from the ground and rails with 525 mph blasts of air.

In addition, switch heaters have been installed at a rail yard that was prone to snow and ice problems. Last winter, frozen yard switches delayed the movement of trains in and out of the yards.

Metra also is improving communication with email alerts and more informative announcements at Union Station.