Train blocks Elgin intersection for almost 4 hours

A freight train that had blocked McLean Boulevard south of Big Timber Road in Elgin for nearly four hours started running again shortly after 1 p.m. Wednesday.

Police Deputy Chief Bill Wolf said the Union Pacific train's emergency brake system activated for what appeared to be mechanical reasons, and workers had been trying to disengage it.

The railroad runs parallel to Big Timber Road, on the south side of the street. Traffic flowed along Big Timber but couldn't turn south onto McLean Boulevard. Metra trains running on another track didn't appear to be affected.

Union Pacific representatives didn't immediately reply to an email seeking comment.