More slowdowns for BNSF commuters as rails are fixed
Metra BNSF Line riders can expect delays of up to five minutes on late afternoon trains starting this week through Sept. 4.
BNSF Railroad is removing old rails and replacing them on about 3.6 miles of track.
The BNSF-related issues will affect trains leaving or coming into Union Station after 3:50 p.m.
Modernizing the rails will reduce slow zones and allow for more reliable service, Metra Executive Director Don Orseno said Monday.
The repairs are a bit of a pile-on for commuters experiencing slowdowns and platform shifts this summer as a result of Amtrak work. The railroad is fixing six switches just south of Union Station.
The repairs have caused some delays on Tracks 2 through 14, affecting BNSF, the Heritage Corridor and SouthWest Service Lines, but they should wrap up by Labor Day.
For an updated schedule, go to metrarail.com/metra/en/home.html.