Normal commute expected after repairs at Union Station

Metra commuters should expect a normal ride home from Union Station Wednesday afternoon after concrete plummeting on the tracks caused delays for passengers in the morning.

Repairs are complete and Amtrak expects Tracks 2, 4 and 6 to be back in service by 4 p.m.

In that case, "Metra would expect a normal evening rush period with usual track assignments," according to an alert.

"If the tracks are not returned to service by 4 p.m., commuters can expect minor delays and some trains will not depart from their usual tracks." Riders should check gate boards before boarding.

Tracks 2, 4 and 6 were closed Wednesday morning for repairs, affecting the BNSF Line and other routes.

The concrete "fell on a track - not in a platform area - on the south end of Union Station. From what we understand, it fell at a location that blocked access to the three tracks that are closed," spokesman Michael Gillis said.

The problem occurs as Amtrak, which owns Union Station, is under scrutiny by lawmakers after a meltdown in February caused by human error that messed up commutes for at least 60,000 Metra riders.

In September 2016, a Metra passenger was hit by falling concrete. Her injuries were not life-threatening.

Three tracks in the station's north concourse were put out of service.