Two stalled freight trains in separate western suburbs this morning blocked multiple rail crossings, causing big problems for Metra commuters trying to get to train stations, according to commuters and authorities. But both problems were cleared up by about 7:45 a.m.
A train stalled with mechanical problems in Western Springs on the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Line was moving again as of 7:05 a.m. Multiple rail crossings in Western Springs had been blocked, but traffic now is moving freely in the area, said Police Sgt. Mark Battista.
The problem in Glen Ellyn cleared up about 40 minutes later. Metra said commuters were unable to board either inbound or outbound trains there. Trains were still running on schedule, however.
The freight train in Glen Ellyn was blocking automobile traffic for a two-mile stretch, according to a police dispatcher there. She said the train had broken down shortly after 5 a.m.
According to the TV news, the train's locomotive was across the Park Avenue crossing in Glen Ellyn and then stretched back west for 2 miles. That puts the end of the train across the College Avenue crossing which is 4 blocks from my house. So, what you do to provide good coverage is send your helicopter to fly over the line. You have it circle around and fly east to west and west to east. In flying west to east, it flies over my house. The air overpressure from the sound of a low flying helicopter rattles my house and scares my cats which makes Mija jump when she's lying next to me. As helicopters flying over one's house is not a usual occurrence, it forces me to get out of bed to see what's going on.
Oh well, I was at the office 10 minutes early today.
Beverage: Christmas Blend tea
Deb
So, it got you out of bed. Ha Ha.
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