Metra has a plan for Monday, if the tracks aren't ready

Canadian National officials sound confident track damage from Friday's derailment will be repaired in time to allow Metra service to resume Monday.

But just in case it isn't, Metra has a plan.

"This is our worst-case scenario," spokeswoman Meg Reile said. "We're pretty confident we're not going to need this at all, but we want to be prepared."

If the tracks remain unusable, commuters on the North Central line who board between Antioch and Prairie Crossing will be allowed to take inbound trains to the Prairie Crossing stop, where they'll transfer to the Milwaukee District North line at a different Prairie Crossing station.

Riders who normally board at Mundelein, Vernon Hills and Prairie View and head south would instead take a train north to Prairie Crossing and transfer to the Milwaukee District North line.

South of Buffalo Grove, service will run on the North Central line between Wheeling and Chicago under such circumstances.

Riders who normally board at the Buffalo Grove station would have to drive to Wheeling.

"(It's) extremely limited service," Reile said.

Metra will announce after 8 p.m. Sunday whether full or partial service will be available Monday. To find out, call the Regional Transportation Authority at 836-7000 from any area code or visit metrarail.com.