Train track project means some Metra commuter delays

Wheaton officials say Metra riders should expect some minor delays during a train track project along the Union Pacific West Line.

Beginning Wednesday, Union Pacific Railroad is set to start a major maintenance project covering a 40-mile stretch of track from Chicago's west side to Elburn, including the portion that runs through Wheaton.

Union Pacific forces will replace roughly 90,000 railroad ties and will be working on all three tracks used by the Metra UP-West Line. The project is expected to last through the end of September.

Crews will be working seven days a week with much of the work to take place in the overnight hours to early morning.

Residents of communities along the UP-West Line may hear more frequent train horns, including during the evening and overnight hours, according to a Metra notice.

Federal law requires trains to sound their horns when entering a track work zone even in areas with a Quiet Zone designation.

Metra will be using a construction schedule for non-rush hour trains to accommodate the time needed to travel through the work zones. Rush-hour trains may also be impacted. Details on the schedule can be found at metra.com/constructionnotices.