A major tie replacement project on the BNSF Line between Hinsdale and Aurora will be condensed into a single weekend to minimize the impact on commuter service, Metra announced. Schedule alterations, including some train cancellations, will be required to accommodate the project.
Beginning Friday evening, Oct. 26 and through Sunday, Oct. 28, BNSF plans to replace 18,000 ties on the center track over a nearly 18-mile stretch between Hinsdale and Aurora. To accomplish what is normally a three week project in three days, the BNSF will deploy two large track gangs and extra equipment, working three 10-hour days.
“By condensing the project timeline, BNSF is truly working to minimize the impact on our riders” said Metra CEO/Executive Director Jim Derwinski. “If this project were to proceed under the normal three-week timeline, our morning rush hour trains would be delayed throughout by slow orders. By using this accelerated schedule, BNSF is limiting the impact on customers to one weekend.”
Working on the center track impacts service on all three tracks for worker safety and for the slow orders required anytime a portion of track is disturbed. BNSF plans to have the crews begin work on
Friday evening, Oct. 26. The track gangs will work 10-hour shifts on Friday, Saturday and Sunday and plan to return the track to service in time for the morning rush hour Monday, Oct. 29.
To accommodate the work schedule, Metra will cancel four trains Friday evening and adjust schedules on five others. Train numbers 1294, 1295, 1298 and 1299 will be cancelled while train numbers 1293, 1296, 1297, 1324 and 1325 will operate on adjusted schedules. On Saturday and Sunday, all trains will be subject to a 10-minute construction delay en route and schedules will be adjusted for train numbers 1323 and 1329. BNSF also plans to divert freight traffic from the work area for the duration of the project.
Motorists and those who reside near the work zone should be advised that the project will not block rail crossings except for brief periods while the equipment is moving through a crossing. However, train horns will sound while trains pass through the work zones.
