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. Schedule alterations, including some train cancellations, will be required to accommodate the project.
Beginning Friday evening, October 26 and through Sunday, October 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 the track is disturbed. BNSF plans to have the crews begin work on Friday evening, October 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 on Monday, October 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.
For detailed information on the schedule impacts, please visit
www.metrarail.com.