A freight rain derailment early Wednesday morning in Chicago Ridge blocked roadways and cut Metra commuter train service in the south suburbs.
Freight transportation supplier CSX said in a statement its dispatchers were notified that one of its trains derailed 10 cars at about 4:30 a.m. The cause of the derailment remains under investigation.
Chicago Ridge police and a Metra spokesperson said the derailment between Ridgeland Avenue and Central Avenue closed several major roadways and disrupted Metra train service. Nobody was injured in the derailment and the train did not carry hazardous materials, police said in a statement.
“Motorists should expect significant traffic congestion in the surrounding areas and are encouraged to use alternate routes whenever possible,” police said.
A Metra spokesperson said the agency was monitoring the scene and reported damage to Metra train tracks and CSX tracks and signaling systems.
Oak Lawn police, who assisted with traffic control in the area, confirmed damage to the railroad crossing between 107th and Central Avenue. Police said the crossing would be closed for at least one day.
“Motorists should expect traffic congestion and should use alternate routes,” Oak Lawn police said. “We are asking people to avoid the area to allow first responders and railroad crews to work safely and efficiently.”
CSX said its crews at the scene and are “working as safely and quickly as possible to clean up the impacted site and to restore passenger and freight service in the area.” The company said it will continue to provide updates.
As of 1 p.m. Wednesday, Ridgeland Avenue remained closed between Southwest Highway and Washington Street, and Central Avenue remained closed at the railroad tracks between 107th Street and Pleasant, police said.
Metra suspended all inbound and outbound trail on its Southwest Service line which extends from Union Station to Manhattan, including regular stops in Oak Lawn, Chicago Ridge, Worth, Palos Heights, Palos Park, Orland Park and New Lenox. Metra was asking customers to seek alternatives.
Police said Metra shutdowns are expected to continue into at least Thursday.
osanders@chicagotribune.com
