Freight train derailment causing delays on Metra Rock Island Line
BLUE ISLAND (STMW) - A freight train derailed Thursday morning in south suburban Blue Island, causing delays for outbound trains on Metra’s Rock Island Line.
The train, partly owned by Iowa Interstate Railroad, derailed about 10 a.m. near 123rd Street, according to Metra spokeswoman Meg Reile.
The freight car that is blocking the Rock Island Line tracks was empty at the time of the derailment, Reile said.
A crane started removing the derailed cars at 1:50 p.m., but Reile said the crane has to move three other cars before it can get to the car that is blocking the Metra tracks.
“We’re hoping we’ll be able to open everything up by mid-rush hour,” she said.
All outbound trains will operate on the Beverly Branch Line until further notice, according to Metra. Customers should expect delays of up to 30 minutes on their outbound commute.
Beginning at 4:10 p.m., shuttle trains departing from LaSalle Street on an hourly basis will be available for customers who use the 95th Street/Longwood and 103rd Street/Washington Heights Stations, Metra said. Train No. 407, departing the LaSalle Street Station at 3:45 p.m., will not stop at 95th Street/Longwood or 103rd Street/Washington Heights.
For inbound Beverly Branch customers, train No. 518, departing Joliet at 2:21 p.m. and arriving at LaSalle Street at 3:48 p.m., will be the last inbound train serving the Beverly Branch line until further notice. Train No. 620, the 4:18 p.m. departure from Blue Island/Vermont Street, will not operate today.