UP to begin major rail replacement along Metra West Line

Starting next week, Union Pacific Railroad crews will begin replacing rail on 13 miles of track on Metra's West Line, prompting the commuter railroad to implement an altered midday and weekend train schedule.

From Sept. 15 through Oct. 15, UP forces will replace the rail between Kress Road in West Chicago and Elburn, Ill. Rail replacement will help to avoid slow orders in the future and ensure the continuation of reliable service for passengers from Elburn, La Fox and Geneva, Ill., Metra officials said in a press release.

"Our goal with our partners at UP is to minimize the inconvenience to our customers; however, replacing rail that is more than 30 years old is essential to our ability to continue to provide safe and reliable service now and into the future," said Metra Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer Don Orseno.

Workers will be deployed seven days a week, but single-track operations will be limited to the weekends. UP will also divert as much freight traffic as possible away from the corridor to reduce interference with passenger service, Metra officials said.