There are no trains running on Metra's Southwest Service line after an early morning freight train derailment in Chicago Ridge. The damage could take days to repair.
No trains are running on the Metra Southwest Service line after a freight train derailed early Wednesday morning. It could take a couple days to clean up the mess in Chicago Ridge. According to police, the train derailed near Ridgeland Avenue and Central Avenue.
No injuries were reported. Heavy equipment has been working at the scene for hours as of Wednesday afternoon; they've even had to clear away some trees to get to the derailed cars. Two train crossings are closed as of Wednesday evening, and officials expect it's more likely that the crossing at Ridgeland Avenue and 102nd Place will be the first to reopen. '107th and Central Ave., which is located in Oak Lawn will be down for a couple of days. There's some road damage there as the train did come off the tracks there and start pulling roadway up there,' said Oak Lawn Fire Chief David Wheeler.People who live nearby said they heard the derailment this morning.'I didn't know what it was. I thought it was an accident. I looked outside and I didn't see anything, so I just assumed it might be a derailment,' said neighbor Bruce Greinke. About a dozen cars went off the track. CBS Chicago traffic reporter Kris Habermehl recommends commuters use the Rock Island and Heritage Corridor as alternate Metra routes.Ridgeland Avenue remains closed between Southwest Highway and Washington Street. Central Avenue is closed at the railroad tracks between 107th Street and Pleasant. Chicago Ridge Mayor John 'Jack' Lind said he was contacted immediately by local officials after the derailment. 'Since our town is basically landlocked by train tracks, they have been more than helpful, and they are doing their best to clear the tracks. Lind said the tracks will be closed for an 'indeterminate amount of time.' It was not immediately clear when Metra service to and from Chicago Ridge would resume. Commuters should plan alternate routes and check Metra.com for updates.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Delays reported on Metra Electric, South Shore lines after train strikes pedestrianCommuters who take the Metra Electric and South Shore lines should expect delays after a train struck a pedestrian on Monday evening.
Read more »
Metra service suspended, roads closed in southwest suburbs after train derailmentOfficials are warning of 'significant traffic congestion' in the Chicago Ridge area due to the derailment.
Read more »
Freight train derailment halts Metra service, closes roads in Chicago RidgeA freight train derailment in Chicago Ridge prompted road closures and suspended Metra service on Wednesday morning.
Read more »
Freight Train Derailment in Chicago Ridge Disrupts Metra SWS ServiceA freight train derailment near Ridgeland Avenue and Central Avenue in Chicago Ridge has caused a complete suspension of Metra SouthWest Service (SWS). Emergency crews and railroad officials are on the scene, assessing the situation. Commuters are advised to seek alternative routes. The tracks will be closed for an indeterminate amount of time.
Read more »
Cleanup could take days in south suburban freight train derailment; Metra SWS services suspendedA freight train derailment impacted Metra services and caused road closures in the south suburbs on Wednesday.
Read more »
Impacts of suburban freight train derailment expected to lingerA freight train derailment in the southwest suburbs shut down roads, disrupted Metra trains, and even impacted local businesses.
Read more »